Tag: Buccaneers
Bucs exercise fifth-year option on Wirfs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exercised the fifth-year contract option on tackle Tristan Wirfs, the team announced Wednesday.
According to Spotrac, Wirfs will make $2.8 million new season and $18.24 million in 2024.
Wirfs, 24, was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Wirfs has garnered two Pro Bowl selections (2021-22), has been named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro (2021), a second-team All-Pro (2022) and a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020), in addition to starting on Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV Championship team in his rookie season.
Since Wirfs was drafted, the Buccaneers lead the league in fewest sacks allowed per pass attempt (3.1%), while also recording the most games without giving up a sack during that span (16). In that time, Tampa Bay ranks second in the NFL in passing yards per game (288.8) and third in total offense (378.8 yards per game) since Wirfs joined the team in 2020.
The Iowa product has started all 46 games in which he has played, including making 44 consecutive starts to begin his career. Per PFF metrics, Wirfs has played 3,186 total snaps since entering the league in 2020, allowing just five sacks and 10 quarterback hits in his first three seasons. In that span, Wirfs has totaled 1,985 pass blocking snaps, which are the second-most in the NFL. Among tackles with 1,500-or-more snaps in pass protection, Wirfs is tied for the fewest offensive penalties committed (10) and tied for the third-fewest holding penalties committed (three).
Buccaneers sign kicker Chase McLaughlin
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed unrestricted free agent kicker Chase McLaughlin, the team announced Thursday.
Last week, the Buccaneers released their kicker from last season, Ryan Succop, and found his replacement in McLaughlin.
During the 2022 season with the Colts, McLaughlin recorded a career-high 30 field goals, good for eighth-most in the NFL and tops among kickers who did not appear in all 17 games. The 26-year-old totaled nine field goals from 50 or more yards, setting Indianapolis’ single-season franchise record.
Entering his fifth NFL season, McLaughlin appeared in 47 career games between the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns. In his career, McLaughlin has converted on 67-of-85 (78.8%) field goal attempts and 88-of-90 (97.8%) extra points for a total of 289 kicking points.
He has been successful on 17-of-21 attempts from 50-or-more yards. His 81% rate from that distance is the second-highest in NFL history among players with at least 20 attempts.
Mayfield: ‘I’m not going to try and be Tom(Brady)’
On Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
According to reports, it’s a one-year deal that’s worth $8.5 million.
The number one pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has an opportunity to compete with Kyle Trask to be the man who will replace Tom Brady in Tampa, but according to Mayfield, he’s not trying to be Brady; he’s trying to be himself.
“Listen, I’m never going to be Tom Brady,” Mayfield said as he met the Tampa Bay media on Monday. “There’s a reason he has won so many Super Bowls – he’s the greatest of all time, there’s no doubt about that. I’m not going to try and be Tom; I’m going to be me – that’s what’s gotten me to this point.
“We’re going to do it differently, but that’s what makes this league so special – everybody puts their own touch on it. It’s an honor to follow up somebody like that. The people that have played with him around here, I’m going to pick their brains as to the things he did – there’s no doubt about that. I’m excited. Like I said, it’s an organization that’s seen success, and following a guy like that is special.”
Last season, Mayfield, who the Panthers acquired from the Browns after he spent the first four seasons of his career in Cleveland, started the first five games for Carolina, but he got injured and ultimately lost his job. In total, he would start six games for the Panthers. Eventually, he would be released by Carolina, at his request, and would be signed by the Rams, where he started four games.
Despite his struggles in 2022, the 27-year-old, who came into the NFL with a lot of swagger, says he’s still confident.
“Yeah, I’m still confident,” he said. “I wouldn’t say the last year really humbled me – I learned a lot from it. I still believed in myself – I think that’s the only way I was able to get through it and finish on somewhat of a high note, playing for Los Angeles. I’m thankful for all the experiences I’ve gone through, and that’s what’s gotten me here. I’m ready for the next chapter.”
The highlight of Mayfield’s five-year career was the 2020 season when he led the Browns to an 11-5 record and the playoffs. In that season, he threw 26 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions, and Tampa Bay is hoping he can do that for them in 2023.
Mayfield is worth the risk for the Buccaneers. He’s not that expensive, and he still is young, so a change of scenery may do him some good.
Tom Brady: ‘I’m retiring for good’
After 23 years, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement from the game of football on Wednesday.
The 45-year-old Brady, who retired last February but returned, ends his career as the NFL’s all-time leader in Super Bowl wins (seven), Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards (five), Pro Bowl selections (15), regular season wins (251), playoff wins (35), total wins (286), pass completions (7753), passing yards (89214) and passing touchdowns (649).
Brady announced his retirement via a video on Twitter.
“I’m retiring for good,” he said. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first. I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year, so really, thank you, guys, so much to every single one of you for supporting me.”
Following his retirement, team ownership, GM Jason Licht, and head coach Todd Bowles said the following:
The Glazer Family:
“Tom’s impact on our franchise these past three years has been immense, and we are appreciative of the time we had with him here in Tampa Bay. He set an exceptional standard that elevated our entire organization to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history. Tom’s impact will be felt within our community for many years to come, and we will forever be grateful for those unforgettable memories that he provided during these final seasons of his legendary career. We wish him the best in this next chapter of life and are confident he will find similar success in his future endeavors.”
General Manager Jason Licht:
“Tom’s legacy is unmatched in the history of this game. All the Super Bowl titles and statistical records speak for themselves, but the impact he had on so many people through the years is what I appreciate the most. His imprint on this organization helped take us to the mountaintop. We will certainly miss him as our quarterback, but I will also miss him as a leader and friend. Our entire organization is indebted to him for what he provided us over the past three years. We won’t ever forget the wins or the accolades, and his influence will be felt for years to come.”
Head Coach Todd Bowles:
“I have always had the utmost respect for Tom Brady as a football player, as a winner, and as a person. It wasn’t until he joined us three years ago that I was able to truly appreciate him as a teammate. Even before I became head coach, we communicated often and had a strong relationship built on mutual respect and a desire to win. That connection only grew over this past season as we fought to get the most out of our football team. I greatly appreciate the leadership he provided and am thankful our time together.”
Brady came to Tampa Bay after winning six Super Bowl titles and spending 20 seasons with the New England Patriots (2000-19). In his first season in Tampa Bay in 2020, Brady led Tampa Bay to an 15-5 overall record, capturing the franchise’s second Super Bowl title and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
He had a great run, and all great runs come to an end!
Congrats, Tom Brady, on a great run!
The end should be near for Brady
It never ends the way you wanted it to, but in life, all good things must come to an end, which might be the case for the great Tom Brady.
On Monday night in Tampa Bay, Brady and the Buccaneers were ousted from the playoffs as they fell to the Cowboys 31-14 in the Wild Card round.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion struggled. He was 35/66 for 351 yards, two touchdowns, and a costly red zone interception. The 66 attempts were the most in his 23-year career. Conversely, for Dallas, Dak Prescott threw for 305 yards and five touchdowns, including one on the ground.
In his NFL record 48th playoff game, Brady knew the Bucs did not deserve to win.
“Not the way we wanted to end it, but we didn’t deserve it,” he said after the loss. “I give them a lot of credit; they played a good game – made a lot more plays than we did. So, tough night.”
After falling behind 6-0 in the first quarter, Brady and the Buccaneers had an opportunity to take the lead early in the second quarter. However, on 2nd & goal from the five-yard line, Brady’s pass was intercepted by Jayron Kearse in the end zone.
“I was trying to throw it to Chris [Godwin], and the other guys were blocking and just tried to throw it out and didn’t obviously get enough on it,” Brady said. “That certainly didn’t help our cause.”
Unfortunately, it was all bad for the Buccaneers the rest of the way.
Now, Brady and the Buccaneers focus on next season, and at age 45, it might be time for Brady to think about what’s next. Brady did not talk about the future after the game, but he did thank the Tampa Bay media, which could indicate that his time could be done in Tampa Bay, but it doesn’t mean his time in the NFL could be done.
Here’s the question, if you’re an NFL team and you watched soon-to-be free agent Brady against the Cowboys and his play this season, do you really believe he can help you win? Probably not, but if he decides to come back, some team will take a chance on him.
At this point, there’s nothing for Brady to prove. He’s the G.O.A.T., and has done it all. However, if he wants to continue on, he can’t tarnish his legacy because his legacy is complete.
NFL announces schedule for Divisional Round of Playoffs
After Sunday’s action, the NFL finalized the schedule for the Divisional Playoffs on January 21-22 and the Championship Games on January 29.
Saturday, January 21
AFC: 4:30 PM (ET) Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
NFC: 8:15 PM (ET) New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX, FOX Deportes)
Sunday, January 22
AFC: 3:00 PM (ET) Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (CBS, Paramount+)
NFC: 6:30 PM (ET) Dallas/Tampa Bay at San Francisco 49ers (FOX, FOX Deportes)
The AFC and NFC Championship Games will take place on Sunday, January 29
Sunday, January 29
NFC: 3:00 PM (ET) NFC Championship (FOX, FOX Deportes)
AFC: 6:30 PM (ET) AFC Championship (CBS, Paramount+)
NFL announces 2023 opponents for each team
The 2022 NFL regular season came to a close on Sunday. Some teams will look to the playoffs, while most teams head to the offseason and look to next season.
The league announced the opponents for all 32 teams for the 2023 season on Monday.
Below are the 2023 scheduling rotation and team-by-team opponents:
2023 SCHEDULING ROTATION BY DIVISION
AFCEAST |
Intraconference |
AFC WEST |
Interconference |
NFC EAST | |
17th game |
NFC SOUTH | |
AFCNORTH |
Intraconference |
AFC SOUTH |
Interconference |
NFC WEST | |
17th game |
NFC NORTH | |
AFCSOUTH |
Intraconference |
AFC NORTH |
Interconference |
NFC SOUTH | |
17th game |
NFC WEST | |
AFCWEST |
Intraconference |
AFC EAST |
Interconference |
NFC NORTH | |
17th game |
NFC EAST | |
NFCEAST |
Intraconference |
NFC WEST |
Interconference |
AFC EAST | |
17th game |
AFC WEST | |
NFCNORTH |
Intraconference |
NFC SOUTH |
Interconference |
AFC WEST | |
17th game |
AFC NORTH | |
NFCSOUTH |
Intraconference |
NFC NORTH |
Interconference |
AFC SOUTH | |
17th game |
AFC EAST | |
NFCWEST |
Intraconference |
NFC EAST |
Interconference |
AFC NORTH | |
17th game |
AFC SOUTH |
2023 OPPONENTS
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Home: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
Miami Dolphins
Home: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
Away: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commander
New England Patriots
Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Jets
Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants
2023 OPPONENTS
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens
Home: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Cleveland Browns
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
2023 OPPONENTS
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars
Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers
Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts
Home: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots
Houston Texans
Home: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets
2023 OPPONENTS
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
Home: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles
Away: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Los Angeles Chargers