As was expected, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood. Joseph has signed a seven-year, $53 million contract with $19 million in guaranteed money, while Jeremy Trueblood signed a two-year contract. The Bucs have made it their priority to re-sign Davin Joseph, and Joseph made it his priority to get Jeremy Trueblood re-signed.
Davin Joseph should continue to be the starter at right guard. While Joseph has not blown anyone away with his play these pas two seasons, the move back to a power-blocking scheme should help the sixth-year lineman succeed. Joseph struggles in zone-blocking schemes, but excels as a drive blocker. Despite his recent struggles, Joseph's deal is the second-richest contract an offensive guard ever received. Only Jahri Evans' seven-year, $56.7 million extension with $19 million in guaranteed money in 2010 was more valuable.
Jeremy Trueblood, meanwhile, received just a two-year contract. While it's not yet clear how big Trueblood's contract is, given the short length of the deal and his being benched last season it is likely to be a contract for backup money. The Buccaneers are not committing to Jeremy Trueblood as any kind of long-term solution.
In addition, the Bucs signed P Michael Koenen to a six-year deal. P has been a problem position for the Bucs, and Koenen is one of the most consistent punters in the league. Last season, the Atlanta Falcons even franchised Koenen. With the addition of Koenen, Bucs P Robert Malone is likely out of a job.
Besides punting, Michael Koenen also kicked off for the Atlanta Falcons, and is likely to do so for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well. Connor Barth has struggled to kick the ball into the endzone in recent years and does not have the strongest leg. Signing Michael Koenen not only gave the Bucs a good punter, but also fixed their kickoff problems.