As the calendar turned to the offseason, the Bucks began to secure contracts for several reserve players. next season For OTAs, minicamps, and training camps. Tampa Bay announced Tuesday that it has signed 17 players to futures contracts.
Here is a list of players who have signed with Tampa Bay.
Bucks players signed to future contracts
S. Marcus Banks
WR Marquez Callaway
CB Dallis Flowers
DL Mike Green
OL Garrett Greenfield
LB Antonio Grier Jr.
LB Daniel Grzeciak
Bucs QB Michael Pratt – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
OL Luke Haggard
WR Dennis Houston
LB Deion Jones
WR Tanner Knu
OL Lorenz Mets
OL Raikwon O’Neil
QB Michael Pratt
TE Tanner Taula
RB DJ Williams
S. Rashad Wisdom
Observations regarding contract with Bucks
These were all players on last season’s practice squad, so they’re pretty much official at this point in the year. Given the amount of injuries, several of these players were promoted to the roster in some capacity.
Bucs QB Kyle Trask, C Graham Burton, and OL Robert Hainsey – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
It will be very interesting to see how everything shakes out for quarterback Michael Pratt next season. Pratt signed with the Bucs after being released by the Packers after training camp. The Bucs had their eye on Pratt during the draft and wanted to acquire him before Green Bay swooped in. The Pewter Report had linked Pratt to the Bucs several times, particularly after attending the Senior Bowl.
Kyle Trask is no longer under contract, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be back in the red this offseason. Trask, a 2021 second-round pick, was the third-choice quarterback behind Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His best opportunity came in 2023 when he entered a quarterback competition with Baker Mayfield in training camp, with Mayfield ultimately winning.
Trask was a primary back then and in the 2024 season, and rarely took NFL snaps in games. Trask appeared in seven NFL games, completing four of 11 throws for a total of 28 yards. He didn’t have many chances, but that doesn’t make him a sought after free agent either.
If the Bucs decide to move on from Trask, Pratt will be their only other quarterback besides Mayfield. In that case, Tampa Bay will have to figure out whether they prefer Pratt as a second-string player, draft another quarterback, or find a veteran in free agency. Tampa Bay has several options.
Bucs ILB Deion Jones – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Another standout signing is veteran inside linebacker Deion Jones. Signed to the practice squad in December, Jones ended up appearing in two regular season games along with a postseason game in the wild card round. Jones only played on special teams during the regular season and recorded a tackle, but in the playoffs he played 18 defensive snaps and recorded two tackles and a pass breakup. Of course, the pass deflection was a dropped interception, but considering the amount of time he played, he played his role well.
Jones should never be the Bucks’ answer heading into the 2025 season, but as a veteran fourth- or fifth-string presence, he’s worth a shot. Tampa Bay’s inside linebacker room is pretty empty at the moment. It’s unclear whether Lavonte David wants to continue playing. There’s a good chance he’ll retire into the sunset and one day be inducted into the Bucks’ Ring of Honor and, hopefully, the Pro Football Hall of Fame. KJ Britt is an unrestricted free agent, but it would be surprising if he returned.
Sarvosia Dennis seems to be the only surefire inside linebacker, but he missed all but four games last season and was injury-prone. JJ Russell is a restricted free agent and will likely compete for a spot in training camp. The Bucs will likely try to find a linebacker in free agency and the draft. Having Jones around will help the newer and younger talent the team has as a group.
