Buccaneers Sign New York Giants Starting Offensive Lineman In Free Agency

Tampa Bay has agreed to a deal with a guard who started 16 games for the Giants last year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the winners early in the free agency period. The front office has been able to retain a plethora of key free agents while also adding outside talent. 

According to multiple reports, the latest move for the Buccaneers is to strengthen the offensive line. The team is signing former New York Giants starting offensive lineman Ben Bredeson to a one-year deal. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the contract is expected to be worth up to $3.5 million.

That could end up being a discount for Tampa Bay as Bredeson started 16 games while moving across the line for the Giants last year. He appeared in eight games at right guard, five games at center, and three games at left guard, displaying legitimate versatility. Bredeson was also extremely durable as he was on the field for a career-high 1,014 snaps.

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Prior to the 2023 season, he spent most of his time at the professional level as a reserve. Bredeson appeared in 19 games while starting nine, over his first two years with the Giants with injuries limiting some of his availability. In total, he earned 35 appearances and 25 starts in his three seasons with New York.

Bredeson began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens as a fourth-round pick (No. 143 overall) in the 2020 draft. He appeared in ten games during his rookie season prior to being traded along with draft compensation to the Giants for a fourth-round selection.

The Buccaneers will be breaking in a new offensive line coach as Kevin Carberry joins the franchise from the New Orleans Saints. The addition of Bredeson provides insurance upfront with starting left guard Aaron Stinnie and backup Matt Feiler still remaining unsigned. Plus, center Nick Leverett already departed for New England.

Cody Mauch is coming off a promising rookie season while locking down the right guard spot for Tampa Bay. The team also has Logan Stenberg under contract for another year.

At 26 years old, Bredeson is an option that still possesses some potential upside. He's the third free agent that the franchise has signed from another team alongside safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Bryce Hall.

Ultimately, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Buccaneers address their offensive line through the draft once again. Protecting franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield has become an important priority.

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