Latest development proves Buccaneers got major steal in free agency
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't had a very active free agency, as expected, but the outside moves they have made have resulted in a very solid offseason, so far. On the surface, the recent addition of former Seattle Seahawks safety Ryan Neal is one of the team's more exciting signings of the offseason. Neal took […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't had a very active free agency, as expected, but the outside moves they have made have resulted in a very solid offseason, so far.
On the surface, the recent addition of former Seattle Seahawks safety Ryan Neal is one of the team's more exciting signings of the offseason. Neal took over for an injured Jamal Adams in 2022 and went on to have a very solid year – one in which his overall defensive grade topped all safeties with at least 713 defensive snaps (62 qualifying players), per Pro Football Focus.
Neal is a versatile player, which is evidenced by the fact he recorded 330 box snaps, 100+ slot snaps, and 200+ snaps at free safety during the 2022 regular season. He's a solid run defender and cover player who is more than willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.
"It's a blessing to be here and all I plan on doing is just bringing my piece to the table," Neal told reporters Thursday. "And just trying to find a way to enhance this team's defense by whatever I'm asked to do and just find a way to make it better."
Initially, it didn't look like Neal was going to join the Buccaneers. The Seahawks offered the former restricted free agent a $2.672 million tender, but withdrew said tender after they signed free agent safety Julian Love to a two-year deal.
That, in turn, left Neal without a place to call home. That is, until the Buccaneers called of course.
The move, as a whole, was a savvy one by the Buccaneers. But, the move was moved into the genius category when FOX Sports' Greg Auman tweeted out Neal's contract details.
This means Neal will get paid $1.080 million plus the $152k bonus, which means he will make $1.232 million in 2023. However, the VSB knocks his cap hit down to $940k plus the $152k bonus. Therefore, Neal will count just $1.092 million against the Buccaneers salary cap in 2023.
Sure, Neal didn't have a job when the Buccaneers reached out and offseason workouts start in a couple of weeks. Meaning, Neal had to find a job and he had to find one, fast. But, the Buccaneers still deserve a ton of credit for taking advantage of an unfortunate situation.
And, it should pay off (pun totally intended) in a pretty big way in 2023.
