Tom Brady's return immediately led to a roster move for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady announced his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday evening and it immediately led to a huge roster move for the franchise. Hours after Brady announced his return, Ian Rapoport announced that Tampa Bay is re-signing center Ryan Jensen to a three-year deal worth $39 million. Jensen was one of the most coveted […]
Tom Brady announced his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday evening and it immediately led to a huge roster move for the franchise.
Hours after Brady announced his return, Ian Rapoport announced that Tampa Bay is re-signing center Ryan Jensen to a three-year deal worth $39 million.
Jensen was one of the most coveted offensive linemen on the free agent market. The Colorado native reached his first Pro-Bowl last season and he hasn't missed a start during his four-years with the Buccaneers. His combination of skill and durability makes him an invaluable piece of Tampa Bay's offensive line.
“He’s extremely tough, extremely competitive, and he’s very productive," said a longtime anonymous NFL scout of Jensen to Pro Football Network this offseason. "He’s actually really improved his game, even from the last time that he was a free agent. I would think he’d be the top center on the market.”
There's just no way this signing happens on Sunday night without Brady's announcement. We were less than 24 hours away from the start of the NFL's legal tampering period when Jensen signed on Sunday. He had resisted an extension this long, why not wait another day and maximize his earnings on the free agent market? Jensen was an in-demand player that could've used competing offers to earn more cash.
The return of Brady, however, is what made this deal happen. Elite centers aren't going to pass up an opportunity to run it back with the GOAT. Jensen's decision was easy once Brady said he was unretiring and coming back to Tampa.
The Tom Brady effect is real. And it should be interesting to see what other moves Brady's return will lead to for the Bucs — and for other NFC South teams — this offseason.
Featured image via Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
