When the Seattle Seahawks offered former restricted free agent Ryan Neal a $2.627 million tender a few weeks ago, everything was in line for him to build off a very successful 2022 campaign. 

But, things changed. The Seahawks turned around and signed former New York Giants safety, Julian Love, to a two-year deal and subsequently withdrew Neal's tender. That move left Neal without a place to call home, but the move also granted him access to the life of an unrestricted free agent, which meant he could sign with a team of his own choosing.

That team eventually became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Neal signed a one-year deal with the 2020 Super Bowl champs shortly after the Seahawks let him go and is in line to start in their secondary. 

Neal was asked about the Seahawks' decision during his introductory press conference and gave an honest, measured, and insightful answer.

"I mean, it definitely caught me off guard," Neal told reporters. "It's kind of been a funky, funny process these couple of months. It's been real emotional, really. But I got nothing for love for them over there. You know, sometimes you just may not be part of future plans and that's just the way the business goes. But like I said, I'm glad to be here like opportunity to come here. It was just, you couldn't say no to it.

"And I see there is a need and like my dad always said raising me up: It's not usually going to the best thing, but where you need it."

It's another chip on Neal's shoulder, but at the same time, he knows he doesn't need the underdog mentality that he's carried throughout his career. It's clear that he will be in the league in some capacity for the foreseeable future. Now, it's just about building off the 2022 season that saw him finish as Pro Football Focus' top-graded safety among safeties with at least 713 defensive snaps.

"You got to move on because [if] you stay back there, you can't grow," said Neal. "You have to understand that, yeah, that was you, but now it's a different time."

And Neal's expecting that growth to take him to even bigger and better places when it comes to his overall NFL outlook.

"My goal was to show the league I'm a legit starter," said Neal. "I've been in Seattle the past couple of years and I've had my chances to grow and flash. Last year was really big and this this year, I just want to set that in stone and set the statement [that] I'm a starting safety.

"I've been through kind of the roughest way to get to this point and it makes you grateful, but it also sets you apart and I understand that. So, I definitely wear that with a badge of pride. So, just being able to come here and finally get the chance. It's the opportunity and it's what I'm looking for, and I found it so it's time to take advantage of it."

Neal has the perfect opportunity, too. Sure, he took a bit of a hit in the wallet signing with the Buccaneers. But this small step back could lead to a massive step forward in Todd Bowles' defense. Especially when considering how he uses his safeties.

The Seahawks had a tough decision to make, but in the end, both parties should be better off for it. And ultimately, that's a great outcome considering how everything started off.