The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a boost to their defensive line by adding Los Angeles Rams starting defensive tackle Greg Gaines, . Gaines has been a starter in Los Angeles throughout the last two seasons, including the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021.
The defender had 36 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks during 16 appearances last season, including 12 starts. Gaines previously signed a four-year, $3.1 million rookie deal with the Rams in 2019 and had a $2.5 million salary last season.
Spotrac projected Gaines market value to be a four-year, $31 million contract which would have given the defensive tackle an average annual salary of $7.7 million. Given the Buccaneers’ salary cap challenges, the franchise likely signed Gaines at much more of a discount.
“Greg Gaines played 90 percent of the defensive snaps in Super Bowl win for Rams two seasons ago,” tweeted on March 18. “Had 12 tackles in four playoff games. Now joins Bucs defensive line as a free agent.”
Gaines now reunites with Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea as the two defensive lineman were college teammates at the University of Washington.
The Bucs Are Quietly Having an Impressive Offseason Despite the Lack of Cap Space
Buccaneers general Jason Licht has quietly led the franchise to an impressive offseason despite plenty of obstacles. Tampa Bay faced the retirement of Tom Brady and found themselves more than $55 million above the salary cap heading into the spring.
The Bucs were able to re-sign a number of key free agents including cornerback Jamel Dean, linebacker Lavonte David and guard Aaron Stinnie. Licht also inked Baker Mayfield to a one-year, $4 million deal offering the team a bargain for their next potential starting quarterback. If Mayfield does not work out as planned, the Bucs still have flexibility to pursue a long-term solution via the draft or free agency next offseason.
Jason Licht: Baker Mayfield ‘Is Excited to Come in & Compete for the Starting Job’
Barring another quarterback addition in the upcoming draft, the Bucs plan to allow Mayfield to compete against Kyle Trask to earn the QB1 role for next season. Licht made it clear that Mayfield was not guaranteed the starting job when the team signed the former …read more
Source:: Heavy.com