| Sign Up | Google+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tender Legarrette Blount, Michael Bennett and two others

Stay connected for news and updates

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Michael Bennett #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after a tackle against the Houston Texans November 13, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done exactly what's necessary to keep their exclusive-rights and restricted free agents: they've offered them tenders. Exclusive-rights free agents Preston Parker and Legarrette Blount have been offered tenders, expected to be valued at $540,000 according to ESPN. Neither player can be signed by another team, and unless they refuse to play under those tenders, both will be with the Buccaneers in 2012.

In addition, the Bucs offered two restricted free agents tenders according to ESPN: defensive end Michael Bennett was offered a first-round tender worth $2.7 million, while offensive tackle Demar Dotson was offered a right-of-first refusal tender worth about $1.26 million. Dotson played mostly as a sixth offensive linemen in the past season, working as an extra run blocker. He was given a chance to play half a game at right tackle in the season finale, and performed reasonably well as a pass blocker, though his run blocking leaves something to be desired.

Michael Bennett had what could be considered a break-out season last year, although the defensive end didn't light up the stat sheet. Despite that he had a number of high-profile sacks, and added some stellar play against the run to that resume. While he suffered injuries, he is absolutely worth bringing back - and should be offered a long-term contract if he can keep up his play next season.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Recent Posts

The Next Read

There are 89 Comments. Load Now. Loading

Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.

C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read

R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next

Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read

Comment Settings

Live comment alert: Hide it!

Comments for this post are closed.

tracking_pixel_5341_tracker tracking_pixel_5351_tracker