Bucks general manager Jason Licht seemed overjoyed to keep two of the team’s biggest free agents, cornerback Jamel Dean and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson, on Thursday afternoon. It sounded like
These aren’t the only significant first moves the team has made. free agent, They also re-signed linebacker Labonte David and added two offensive players expected to be major contributors in Baker Mayfield and Chase Edmonds.
Thursday afternoon, however, highlighted Dean and Nelson’s return to Tampa Bay.
Bucs GM Licht speaks out on re-signing Jamel Dean, Anthony Nelson
Bucks GM Jason Licht. -Photo: Matt Matera/PR
Licht gave opening remarks on Thursday afternoon after these large re-signings.
“I’m very excited to be here today,” Licht said. “The signing moment is underrated. Organizations sign extensions for players they draft, develop, and develop. But in this case, we don’t just want them back, we show that we feel they are great players and will help us win another championship. We are more excited because
“With Anthony and Jamel, I know they had a lot of chances and Labonte did too, but a second deal is great. As for Labonte, a fourth deal. , That’s a whole other story, and it’s great.But these players epitomize what we want, both on and off the field.”
The fact that the Bucks were able to re-sign both Dean and Nelson, as well as David, not only shows the prowess of Licht, Mike Greenberg, and the rest of Cap, but the formula that put together the playoff team is the player’s own purchase. What I did.
Especially in the case of Dean and David, two of the NFL’s top free agents, there’s no question that each of them could have signed for more money elsewhere. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Dean re-signed on a four-year, $52 million deal and David re-signed on a one-year, $7 million deal. This is great value.
To put it in perspective, both the PFF and our Josh Queipo. predicted a trade Dean’s four-year range of $68 million to $72 million. The Bucs both seem to get discounts for where they come from, but if Nelson reflects his production from last season, it’s worth keeping at an average of $5.5 million over two years.
Jamel Dean, Anthony Nelson ‘Happy’ and ‘Excited’ to stay with Bucks
So why did Dean and Nelson want to stay in town? Not just because of the warm weather. It may have played a part in the Dean case.
Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
“Thank you so much, Jason. I really didn’t want to leave,” said Dean. “I was born and raised in Florida and I feel comfortable being close to home. So I was like, ‘Why are you leaving?'”
“I don’t really like the cold, so I don’t want to have to go north. [the Bucs] As we started making some adjustments, I said, “Okay, I have a chance,” and Carlton [Davis] They called me and said, ‘Oh, they really want you. Things are going well and I’m happy to be here. ”
For Nelson, it was to rack up his own contract years. In his first three seasons he started only four games, but in 2022 he doubled by starting eight games and recording a career-high 5.5 of his sacks. Did.
His production has really picked up in the last five games of the year. In these contests, he recorded a total of 23 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks. Nelson’s influence as a pass rusher in these games has been critical in helping the Bucks overcome his fellow outsiders his linebacker Shaq his Barrett and Joe his Tryon his Soyinka injury. bottom.
“Tampa was great,” said Nelson. “It’s been great for my family. I’ve had so many opportunities here and I’m excited for what’s next. There’s a lot to do and a lot to prove. [for] Both personally and as an organization. So I thought it would suit me.”
GM’s Jason Licht says front office ‘not done’ yet
The Bucks are looking to find more value in free agency and the draft, but Licht reiterated that this isn’t the end of the team’s move.
It’s not over yet.we’re going to have some more [moves]We have to do a little more now, a little more responsible or reasonable signatures. There is also ”
If there’s anything to take away from hearing Thursday’s press conference, it’s specifically that these signings put the Bucks in a better position to stay competitive in another tight division race next season. is.
In addition to the Brady-sized holes on the roster, there’s never too much talent to send out that can’t be replaced by more affordable young options through the draft and further player development.Licht at NFL Scouting Combine As mentioned by “Restock“Rather than rebuilding the roster that was the contender in recent seasons.
Of course, there are still areas to address such as safety, offensive tackles and outside linebackers to name a few. Going forward, he believes the NFL Draft can inject impactful players into these positions and coaching. will be An effort to keep some of the locally grown talent in Tampa Bay.
