The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed the wide receiver position this offseason by extending Mike Evans and signing their return specialist to a one-year contract.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed their return specialist
According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Tampa Bay re-signed Deven Thompkins to a one-year deal.
Thompkins was an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he played less than three years of accrued experience in the NFL. The team can tender the player, but that is the only option, and can’t negotiate with another team unless they get released.
Also, if the team offers the ERFA a one-year deal, the player can accept the offer or sit out for the season. If the team doesn’t tender the player, they become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
In short, Thompkins will be back in Tampa Bay, making around $985,000 next season.
Deven Thompkins spent his first two seasons in Tampa Bay
Thompkins went undrafted during the 2022 NFL draft, and Tampa Bay signed him as an undrafted free agent.
Tampa Bay released Thompkins during the final round of roster cuts but signed him to their practice squad in his rookie season. The team promoted Thompkins to the active roster after they released return specialist Jaelon Darden.
Thompkins appeared in their last five games, recording five receptions on ten targets for 32 yards, two carries for 26 yards, 12 kick returns for 263 yards, and six punt returns for 61 yards in the regular season.
He also had three kick returns for 58 yards and three punt returns for 34 yards in the playoffs.
Thompkins won the return specialist job in his second season. He appeared in every game, recording 17 receptions on 25 targets for 83 yards and one touchdown, eight carries for 56 yards, 16 kick returns for 327 yards, and 25 punt returns for 234 yards in the regular season.
He also had one reception on two targets for four yards, one carry for ten yards, one kick return for 27 yards, and three punt returns for 24 yards in the playoffs.
Will Tampa Bay’s 6th-round pick give Thompkins a run for his money?
Thompkins must earn the return specialist job, as he will likely compete against Trey Palmer next season.
Will Thompkins hold onto return duties next season, or will it be someone else?
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