The Tampa Bay Buccaneers far exceeded expectations in 2023, winning the NFC South and even advancing to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, some of their best players are already expecting not to return in 2024.
Tampa Bay surpassed its expectations in a season when the franchise couldn’t make big moves due to a dead cap hit. It allowed the front office to free up more cap space in 2024 and beyond, but all-in moves in previous years will still limit which impact contributors will be retained this offseason.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agents 2024: Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr, Lavonte David, Devin White
Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield are both poised to hit the open market, with an opportunity to sign massive contracts and potentially join Super Bowl contenders. While both Mayfield and Evans are likely returning to Tampa Bay, the number of Buccaneers’ starters hitting free agency also means that cap casualties will come from the starting lineup.
In an interview with Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times, edge rusher Shaq Barrett admitted there’s a “real possibility” the Buccaneers don’t bring him back for the 2024 season.
“I’ve been around for a minute, and I know with my contract and my production and they have some promising young guys that all factor into it. But I would still love to be here. It’s like a second home. . . .My kids love it down here. So I mean, understand it’s a business, but after everything that happened this year, we’re family now to appreciate them for everything they did. Just rocking with me, sticking with me through everything and hope it’s not, but I know it is a real possibility. But I hope it’s not.”
Shaq Barrett on his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Barrett, a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl selection, has recorded 45 career sacks with 90 QB hits and 48 tackles for loss in Tampa Bay. After just five seasons, he ranks fifth all-time in Buccaneers’ history for sacks and only trails Gerald McCoy in QB hits.
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ cost to re-sign Baker Mayfield revealed
- Shaq Barrett contract: $14.19 million cap hit in 2024
- -$12.477 million cap savings if pre-June 1 cut, $4.9 million cap savings post-June 1 cut
Unfortunately for Barrett, despite his love for Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers’ $47 million in cap space isn’t enough to re-sign Mayfield, Evans, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. With the All-Pro safety, Evans and Mayfield being prioritized, Barrett will likely be designated as a post-June 1 release this offseason.
