In an expected move after he made the announcement, the Buccaneers placed center Ryan Jensen on the reserve/retired list. Jensen announced his intention to retire on Feb. 2 after missing the past two seasons due to a serious knee injury.
The move would allow Jensen’s $16.6 million in dead cap money to be spread over the next two seasons rather than taking it all at once this year, giving the Buccaneers a bit more financial breathing room when it comes to the salary cap.
Jensen was a crucial part of the Buccaneers’ victory in Super Bowl 55. His tough, physical mentality helped strengthen the offensive line and provided a positive attitude when the team needed it.
Ryan Jensen’s history with the Buccaneers
Buccaneers C Ryan Jensen – Photo courtesy of USA Today
He signed a four-year, $42 million contract with Tampa Bay in 2018, making him the highest-paid center at the time. Three seasons later, after working with Tom Brady, Jensen was a key part of a Super Bowl-winning line alongside left wing Ali Marpet and Donovan Smith, Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinney (who replaced an injured Cappa) and rookie Tristan Wirfs.
Jensen was one of the leaders on the team. He was always there to protect all of his teammates, get in opponents’ faces, and was often penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Ryan Jensen was considered one of the best centers in the league, and his play backed that up.
Jensen signed a three-year, $39 million contract in 2021, and Tampa Bay won the NFC South that year with a 13-4 record before losing in the division championship. That year also marked Jensen’s first and only Pro Bowl season.
Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury on the second day of training camp, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 season. This all happened at the end of practice when Aaron Stinney hit a block from then-rookie Logan Hall into the side of Jensen’s leg. Jensen played alongside Brady once more in the Bucs’ playoff game in the Wild Card Round against the Cowboys, but was clearly not at 100%.
Buccaneers RT Tristan Wirfs and C Ryan Jensen – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Jensen will likely practice sporadically during 2023 training camp in Tampa, but general manager Jason Licht announced during the Buccaneers’ third preseason game, ironically against Jensen’s former team, the Ravens, that Jensen would sit out the rest of the year.
This time around, Jensen stayed with the team throughout the season and was a frequent presence in the locker room. It remains to be seen what the future holds, but if he wants to become a coach, he could probably find a role.
Jensen finished his NFL career with 100 regular season games, eight playoff games and a Super Bowl victory, and will be remembered by fans as one of the most beloved Buccaneers players of recent memory.
The future of Buccaneers centers
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, OL Graham Burton and GM Jason Licht – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
When Jensen was injured two seasons ago, Robert Hainsey filled in for him at center, and when it became clear Jensen wasn’t going to return last season, Hainsey continued to start. There’s no replacing Jensen, and Hainsey certainly has had his ups and downs.
Heading into the 2024 season, Hainsey will likely be best placed to compete as a top backup center or starting guard, with the team hoping to find the next great center. Graham Burton A first-round pick this year, Burton has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line at Duke and also has the size and agility to do so.
The interior of the offensive line was a weak spot last season. Tampa Bay has focused on improving the run game this season and has started to do so with a step forward from second-year guard Cody Moach and an upgrade from Barton at center. It all needs to come together, but the plan is in place to bring back championship-winning style of play from the offensive line.
