The Buccaneers received a tremendous boost of momentum before free agency started once Tom Brady announced his return to football. Fortunately for them, they were able to use said momentum to capitalize on some rather big moves over the following days.

So, how did they grade out? Let's take a look below.

Bucs' losses in free agency (so far):

• G Alex Cappa: signed a four-year, $40 million deal with the Bengals
• S Jordan Whitehead: signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Jets
• TE O.J. Howard: signed a one-year deal with the Bills

It was pretty obvious that the Buccaneers wouldn't repeat last year's unprecedented free agency campaign. There were just way too many important guys to re-sign and there wasn't a ton of money to go around.

The losses of both Cappa and Whitehead initially stung, but as we'll discuss below, the Buccaneers did an excellent job of replacing both during the first days of free agency. Howard's departure was pretty much expected. Whether it was the recovery from his ruptured Achilles in 2020, a fallout with the coaching staff, or simply a decline in play – Howard never carved out a role in 2021. While it's tough to watch a top-20 pick not receive a second contract, it was clear Howard needed a change of scenery.

Overall, the Buccaneers didn't lose much -in terms of roster construction- in the first week of free agency.

Bucs' retainments/additions in free agency (so far)

• C Ryan Jensen: signed a three-year, $39 million deal with Tampa Bay
• WR Chris Godwin: signed a three-year, $60 million deal with Tampa Bay
• CB Carlton Davis III: signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Tampa Bay
• WR Breshad Perriman: signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay; details currently unknown
• G Aaron Stinnie: signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay; details currently unknown
• WR Russell Gage (Falcons): signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Tampa Bay
• G Shaq Mason (Patriots): traded to Tampa Bay for a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft
• S Logan Ryan (Giants): details currently unknown

The reason why we can say the Buccaneers didn't lose much during the first week of free agency is because of the additions they made to offset the losses.

The Buccaneers traded for Shaq Mason, who will replace Cappa. The trade was an absolute steal for the Bucs. Mason is widely considered to be one of the best guards in the NFL and Tampa Bay got him for just a fifth-round pick. He's also cheaper than Cappa's $10 million per year price.

They then signed Ryan to help with the loss of Jordan Whitehead. Ryan doesn't hit as hard as Whitehead, but he's a sure tackler who can play the box, centerfield, and even line up in the slot. His versatility will really help Todd Bowles create different coverage looks on the back end of the defense. He's a tremendous leader, as well.

And the best part about Ryan's arrival is Tampa Bay will likely get him for very cheap. This is because the Giants still owe him around $5.5 million. The Buccaneers could use the veteran salary benefit and sign Ryan for less than the veteran minimum of $1.12 million. For instance, if the Bucs pay Ryan $1.12 million and tack on a $152,500 bonus, he will make $1,272,500 in 2022. But, with the VSB, he'll only count $1,047,500 million against the cap.

The signing of Gage was a good move, too. He's an excellent complement to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Buccaneers signed him to a decent deal, as well. Gage represents a $5.67 million cap hit in 2022, which is affordable.

But Gage's fit in the Buccaneers offense is what makes this free agency signing such a good one. He can play both inside and out, which will allow Byron Leftwich to come up with all kinds of creative alignments and personnel groupings. Gage can also be used on jet sweeps and the occasional wide receiver pass. He's going to add a nice dimension to an already impressive offense.

Final Grade (so far)

It's been a successful first week for the Buccaneers. Not only did they keep core players, but they added the "fresh blood" Jason Licht talked about during the combine. The new players they added are not only good players, but they're affordable and versatile, as well.

There really isn't much room to say the Buccaneers even did a solid job over the first week: They did a great job. Now, the results just need to show up on the field.

Grade: A

Featured image via Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports