It Won’t Be Inexpensive After This Season
July 10th, 2025
Costs soon to rise.
Couple of cool facts about the Bucs and Team Glazer loot.
We all know the Bucs have a formidable offensive line (when All-Pro Tristan Wirfs can get on the field). But what is wild to Joe is that despite having a top-five (at least) offensive line, the line as a whole is one of the lowest-paid in the game.
Source: Sharp Football Analysis Preview 2025.
The Bucs currently have three starters on their rookie contracts: center Graham Barton, right guard Cody Mauch and right tackle Luke Goedeks.
Goedeke is in a contract year. He will get paid. Mauch will be in a contract year next season. He will get paid. Barton’s not an issue for a while so no need for the Bucs to sweat that.
This is partially why Joe thinks the offensive line will get better this year, if they can stay healthy. More snaps under their belts is a good thing for linemen not over 30.
Joe had heard through the grapevine one major reason why Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht didn’t go on a spending spree in free agency this spring was that the team knows it will have some big bills to pay so they are saving for a rainy/happy day.
And a few of those bills will be coming from Goedeke and Mauch.
July 10th, 2025 at 5:56 am
Wow that is pretty cool Joe.
Have been a bit concered with the O line contracts coming up as well. In jason we trust!
Go Bucs!
July 10th, 2025 at 6:14 am
Smart moves by Jason!
July 10th, 2025 at 6:28 am
Gotta give Licht credit for the OL. Last year’s unit was vastly improved over what remained from trades, injuries and retirements for Brady’s last year. They’re young, cheap (so far) and talented.
As for Wirfs, perhaps his injury could’ve been avoided if someone sat him down and explained to him that swimming pools are objects designed to be jumped in to, not out of.
July 10th, 2025 at 6:33 am
Definitely smart planning by Jason, and I’m hoping that we re-sign Luke for next year. As a group, our 5 starting OLinemen only missed 6 games last season (Mauch & Bredeson had 17 each; Wirfs & Barton had 16 each, and Goedeke had 13). That’s quite impressive IMO.
What I’m not all that impressed with though is our OLine backups. Hainsey, Skule & Newman, last year’s backups, are gone, but Klein & Opeta remain, plus several other off-season additions (like Charlie Heck) are currently on the roster. It’ll be interesting to see how our backup OLinemen evolve. Bucs roster definitely needs to stay healthy to make noise in the playoffs.
July 10th, 2025 at 7:47 am
@DR: “What I’m not all that impressed with though is our OLine backups.”
I get your point, they are unknowns. But when I look at what Hainsey and Skule did last year when they had to step in, it comforts me that JL is in charge. JL has it under control! I believe in our GM 100%.
Even with this Wirfs situation, it is easy to predict what will happen. By. the end of August or slightly before, if the Bucs don’t sign another OT, it is bc Wirfs is good or Heck will be fine. If they instead sign an OT, JL already has him on speed dial.
Can you imagine them signing Donnie?! That would be a kick. At least it might take some of the heat off of Todd, lol
July 10th, 2025 at 8:43 am
Not to mention Baker is going to get paid when his contract comes due.
July 10th, 2025 at 9:43 am
This is why I laugh when fans (and media) want us to pick up some high profile player. We have so many player on our own team to take care including Baker. This isn’t Fantasy Football.
July 10th, 2025 at 10:38 am
BucVoyager yes I agree. That’s why Licht has saved the cap money. If we didn’t have good players why would other teams try to sign them? See Chris Godwin even with injury.
July 10th, 2025 at 11:43 am
2026 Free Agents: Goedeke, Evans, Zyon, Otton, Reddick
That’s a lot of dough to dish out.