After spending several months on the free agent market, defensive end Da’Quan Bowers is returning to the team with whom he spent the first four years of his NFL career. The Buccaneers have re-signed Bowers to a one-year contract, the team announced today in a press release.
The 51st overall pick in the 2011 draft, Bowers played 50 games for the Buccaneers from 2011 to 2014, compiling just 66 total tackles and seven total sacks. The 25-year-old, a Clemson product, never developed into the sort of productive defensive player the Bucs were hoping for, starting just 10 of those 50 games with the club.
While terms of his new deal weren’t disclosed, Bowers will likely be earning the minimum salary, and probably didn’t receive any guarantees, so he’ll have to compete for a roster spot and for playing time. If he makes the regular-season roster, Bowers figures to be a depth piece on the defensive line.
Earlier in the offseason, Bowers reportedly met with the Saints and drew interest from the Lions and Dolphins.