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Buccaneers' Updated Depth Chart After Antonio Brown Contract
April 28, 2021
The reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued the process of keeping the band together Wednesday with the re-signing of wide receiver Antonio Brown.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Bucs signed Brown to a one-year contract worth up to $6.25 million with $3.1 million fully guaranteed.
With Brown returning, here is a look at the Buccaneers' updated offensive depth chart:
QB: Tom Brady, Ryan Griffin
RB: Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Giovani Bernard, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, C.J. Prosise
WR: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson, Justin Watson
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate, O.J. Howard
LT: Donovan Smith, Josh Wells
LG: Ali Marpet, John Molchon
C: Ryan Jensen, Donell Stanley
RG: Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinnie
RT: Tristan Wirfs, Brad Seaton
The Bucs had a difficult task after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV in returning the same roster, but general manager Jason Licht somehow made it happen, with Brown representing the final piece of the puzzle.
Since playing his final game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, Brown's career has been a roller-coaster ride.
He was traded from the Steelers to the Raiders but never played a game there before getting released. He then appeared in one game for the New England Patriots in 2019 only to get released again because of off-field issues.
Brown went unsigned prior to the 2020 campaign, but the Bucs brought him in during the season and he went on to appear in eight regular-season games, finishing with 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns.
There wasn't a ton of pressure on the 32-year-old to perform with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin already on the roster, but he played a big role as another reliable option for quarterback Tom Brady.
Having a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro as a No. 3 wideout is quite a luxury, and Brady will have it once again during the 2021 season.
In addition to returning Brady's entire starting offensive line, the Buccaneers front office has given him all the weapons he could possibly need.
Aside from Evans, Godwin and Brown, both Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson showed flashes of brilliance last season.
Brady also has tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, the latter of whom missed most of last season because of a ruptured Achilles. Plus, a running back stable headed by Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones and free-agent signee Giovani Bernard rounds out the offense.
Given the skill level and continuity on Tampa's roster, the Bucs have to be considered the favorites to repeat as Super Bowl champions next season.