The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a sleeper contender in the NFC over the past couple of years. Led by Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers have the same outlook heading into the 2025 season.

Right off the bat when free agency opened this offseason, Tampa Bay got aggressive. They were able to bring back star wide receiver Chris Godwin, but also added an elite pass rusher.

Of course, that pass rusher was the Haason Reddick, who signed with the Buccaneers on a one-year, $14 million contract.

Reddick is fresh off of a rough all-around year with the New York Jets. He started off the season holding out due to contract issues with the Jets. When he got back onto the field, it was too late for him to get up to speed and the team was struggling in every aspect.

During the 2024 season, Reddick ended up playing in 10 games, recording 14 total tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a defended pass.

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler isn’t worried about his production from 2024. He spoke out with major praise for Tampa Bay landing the veteran pass rusher.

“The Bucs signing defensive end Haason Reddick. Tampa Bay got out of its draft-and-develop comfort zone and invested $14 million in a one-year deal with Reddick, who had four consecutive double-digit-sack seasons before last year’s holdout sabotaged his 2024 campaign with the Jets. With a full offseason, he should get back on track. And the Bucs know they are at their best with an elite pass rush, as they proved during their 2020 Super Bowl run.”

Back in 2023, Reddick showcased what he’s capable of bringing to the Buccaneers. In that season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he racked up 38 tackles, 11 sacks, a forced fumble, and a defended pass.

If he can get back to that level of play, the Tampa Bay defense will be much improved.

All of that being said, the 30-year-old pass rusher is now a member of the Buccaneers. It’s a move that could end up being one of the biggest steals of free agency.