Bucs Trying To Sign An Offensive Lineman
July 24th, 2025
“Greeny, tell his agent to emphasize the culture and the soft grass.”
It’s official.
The Bucs have a target in free agency to help fortify their offensive tackle position in the wake of Tristan Wirfs’ injury. Head coach Todd Bowles made that very clear after practice today — Day 2 of training camp.
“We’re trying to make one of those signings,” Bowles said, referring to tackles the team has been working out and, presumably, medically reviewing.
Former Seahawks, Jets and Texans starter George Fant is one of those guys the Bucs have worked out. The 33-year-old was with Seattle last year, the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Considering Seattle has had the same general manager since 2016, Joe considers that a strong sign that Fant is a character guy. And the Bucs care a lot about character.
However, Fant sort of feels like a bad fit for the Bucs, Joe believes. And that’s from Fant’s perspective.
First, starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected back early in the season and he may only miss a couple of games. So Fant may be seeking more of an opportunity to play. Plus, the Bucs like Charlie Heck, the veteran tackle they signed in March.
Also, Fant earned about $7 million last season. So Joe suspects money is a serious holdup to signing Fant, if he’s even the target.
The tackles behind Heck — Benjamin Chukwuma, Silas Dzansi, Garret Greenfield and Raiqwon O’Neal — have no NFL experience.
July 24th, 2025 at 11:49 am
Fant probably should take the money that the Bucs offer and realize that he is a backup swing tackle for the rest of his career. I would be surprised if the guy gets a starting job anywhere at this point.
July 24th, 2025 at 11:56 am
Agreed.
With a legit chance to win a SB I might add.
July 24th, 2025 at 11:58 am
We are cooked.
July 24th, 2025 at 12:10 pm
I think Garrett Greenfield retired recently
July 24th, 2025 at 12:31 pm
If not Fant then who?
July 24th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
I’m confident that Jason won’t pay Fant $7 mil for this season. Wirfs is bound to be back by Game 4.
From Fant’s perspective though, this woud be a nice opportunity to play on a Super Bowl contender. Well, as long as his agent doesn’t listen to the national media.
July 24th, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Hmmm, was just thinking that I consider Mayfield, Wirfs & Vea to be the 3 INDISPENSABLES for this year. And once Wirfs seems be out for a couple games, we search high & low for a functional replacement.
Sure do wish we’d do the same for Vea … right now. One more NT beast & we’d have an awesome pass rush each & evey game.
July 24th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
No player has NFL experience until they play. Doesn’t mean they can’t do it, just means they haven’t yet. I’d rather they coach up a more talented prospect like Chukwuma, than sign a 33 year old vet who’s looking for a chance with his 4th team.
July 24th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Chulwuma is just not ready he is a project to develope there looking for help now depth now who can help an step up or in while Wirfs is injured an maybe they can beat out Heck but he needs competition not just handed the job let them compete for the job until Wirfs comes back sooner rather then later
July 24th, 2025 at 6:02 pm
“If not Fant then who?”
76
July 24th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
My concern is if they sign a vet OT that they may need to risk putting Chulwuma on the practice squad, risking him getting through waivers.
July 24th, 2025 at 9:13 pm
What I don’t get is this is being conveyed as a surprise that Wirfs won’t be able to play. Why wasn’t this search for crackle started earlier? Makes no sense.
July 25th, 2025 at 12:59 am
Who happens to be, by far, the best blocking back for the Bucs?
July 25th, 2025 at 6:09 am
Unfortunately our current backup tackles will never see the field and get game snaps, or it seems, camp snaps till they have some sort of crazy disaster happen.
Frustrating for this fan who lives on the other side of the planet. Can’t get to open practices these days.
We have guys who have been here for more than one season yet they are apparently not developed enough to even find out if they can play?
Go Bucs!
July 26th, 2025 at 12:38 am
Better sign Fant.