The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have many difficult questions to answer this offseason before they prepare for the 2025 season. One of the free agents being overlooked and talking is Anthony Nelson. This begs the question, “Will Anthony Nelson be back in Tampa Bay for 2025?”
The idea of losing Anthony Nelson does not seem like a big one, but it should be for a Bucs team looking for a consistent pass rush.
Anthony Nelson will be 28 when the next season kicks off in September. The 2024 season was another example of the consistency he brings to the rotation of pass rushers the team possesses. Nelson secured four sacks while generating a career high in QB hits (13). While he may not be a monster he is at least consistent having played in 16 or more games in each of the last five seasons.
This brings us to the question: What will his next contract be, and should the Bucs pay it?
Over the Cap speculates that as of February 6, Nelson is going to earn a smidge less than he did in 2024. They project his next contract value to be $3.5 million, a drop compared to his 2024 rate of $4 million.
The Bucs are projected to have just $11 million dollars, before any adjustments, in their salary cap this offseason. The emergence of Yaya Diaby, as well as expected plans to draft more edge help, may have Tryon-Shoyinka on the out despite the potential value.
Anthony Nelson is worth bringing back for a couple of reasons. One is the price, the second being the consistency, and the third being he has been healthy on a roster that somehow cannot stay that way.
Get Anthony Nelson on the phone, Jason Licht.