Buccaneers Contract Updates: Goedeke, McCollum, FA Signings
The Buccaneers restructured the contracts of right tackle Luke Goedeke and cornerback Zyon McCollum to clear up cap space for their new free agent signings.
Goedeke was due a $20.275MM roster bonus at beginning of the league year that was not guaranteed in his original contract. Tampa Bay converted it to a guaranteed roster bonus, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, which allows them to prorate the cap obligations like a signing or option bonus. This saved $16.2MM in cap space with a $4.05MM added to the remaining four years of the contract, which now has one new void year.
The Buccaneers executed a similar move with McCollum, who was due a $12.87MM roster bonus that was guaranteed and prorated across the remainder of the contract. That reduced the veteran cornerback’s 2026 cap hit by $10.3MM with increases of $2.57MM in each of the next four seasons, including two new void years.
The moves created a total of $26.5MM in 2026 cap space, allowing Tampa Bay to process its free agency signings while budgeting for their rookie class.
Here are some contract details on those new signings:
- Initially reported as a fully guaranteed deal, A’Shawn Robinson‘s $10MM contract has $9.15MM in guarantees. The remaining $850K will be paid out in the form of a per game roster bonus (via OverTheCap), giving him $50K for every game for which he is active.
- The base value of edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad‘s deal is $4MM with $2.5MM guaranteed, Wilson reports.
- The Buccaneers retained safety and special teams ace Miles Killebrew on a one-year, $1.79MM deal. According to Wilson, the agreement includes $490K in guaranteed money with a $1.3MM salary.
- Tight end Ko Kieft received $413K in guarantees on his one-year, $1.65MM deal, per Wilson. His salary is set at $1.46MM.
- New backup quarterback Jake Browning signed a one-year, $1.3MM deal with $400K guaranteed, per OverTheCap.
- Former Rams and Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom has a base value of $1.55MM with upside to $2.15MM, according to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman. His playtime incentives offer him $100k for a 40% snap share, $200k for 50%, and 300k for 60%.
- Wide receiver Sterling Shepard was a healthy scratch at the end of the 2025 season, leaving him just short of two incentives worth $125k each. The Buccaneers decided to pay out those bonuses anyway, along with an additional $250K, per Auman.
NFL Free Agency Rumors: Giants, Aubrey, Browns, Robinson
One of the first free agent priorities for the Giants this past week was re-signing right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, ensuring that the offensive line would be returning at least four out of five starters from the 2025 season. With Eluemunor under contract, New York only needs to fill its right guard spot now, left vacant as Greg Van Roten hits the free agent market.
The team did re-sign former seventh overall pick Evan Neal, who has failed to live up to his draft status in four years with team, but they’re eyes were clearly set on bigger fish to fill the role. After analyzing the options available on the free agent market, though, the Giants may return to the familiar. In their view, the crop of guards available could certainly be serviceable starters, but they aren’t worth the price they’re going for at the moment.
One such option is former Browns starting guard Wyatt Teller. A three-time Pro Bowler who twice earned second-team All-Pro honors, Teller certainly has displayed a high level of play during his time in Cleveland. While New York would be interested in Teller filling their hole at right guard, his $10MM per year price tag has made them balk at the prospect of signing him. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan has gone so far as to say that the Giants are “no longer willing to pay a mid-tier guard,” ruling them out of signing options like Teller, Joel Bitonio, or Dylan Parham. Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York believes that, because of this, the team could revisit re-signing Van Roten off the open market.
Lastly in New York, veteran kicker Graham Gano remains on the team’s roster at this time, but Dan Duggan of The Athletic, does not believe that will be the case for long. Duggan asserts that his continued presence could be related to the Injury Protection Benefit in the players’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. Regardless, he does not believe Gano will be on the roster next year.
Here are a few other rumors concerning free agency from around the NFL:
- Since entering the NFL three years ago, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has left no doubt that he is one of the premier placekickers in the NFL. In three years of play, Aubrey has three Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro honor, and two second-team All-Pro honors. Recognizing his greatness, the Cowboys have already offered to make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, raising the current highest annual average salary of $6.5MM with a $7.5MM offer, but no deal has gotten done, as Aubrey’s agent is asking for $10MM per year. Per Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News Aubrey was hoping that Dallas allowing him to test the market as a restricted free agent would show that other teams would match the value he’s seeking, but the second-round tender Dallas placed on him might prevent that from occurring.
- We had known that the Browns would be saying goodbye to the abovementioned Teller and veteran tight end David Njoku, and we had even speculated that a post-June 1 designation could assist the team in both transactions. Well, this week, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the final post-June 1 designations, and as expected, both Teller and Njoku were on that list. Cleveland will get some cap relief as a result of applying the designation to each departure.
- Former Panthers defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson was released from Carolina the day before the start of the new league year, and he immediately signed the next day with the Buccaneers. According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Robinson explained that, when the Panthers granted him permission to seek a trade, Tampa Bay was one of two teams with which he communicated — the other being San Francisco. When no trade developed and he became a free agent with his release from the team, his prior experience talking to the Buccaneers laid a clear path forward.
Buccaneers To Sign DL A’Shawn Robinson
A’Shawn Robinson has quickly landed on his feet. After getting cut by the Panthers yesterday, the defensive lineman will be signing with the Buccaneers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
[RELATED: Panthers Release DT A’Shawn Robinson]
The Panthers moved on from Robinson yesterday, avoiding the $8.5MM he was due. This ended up working out well for the defender, as Rapoport notes that Robinson will earn a $10MM, fully guaranteed deal from Tampa Bay.
Robinson inked a three-year, $22.5MM contract with the Panthers ahead of the 2024 campaign. He had one of his most productive seasons during his first year in Carolina, tallying career-highs in tackles (80), sacks (5.5), and tackles for loss (eight). His numbers took a bit of a step back in 2025 (65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three TFLs), although Pro Football Focus was still pretty high on his performance. The site ranked him 45th among 127 qualifying interior defenders.
The defensive lineman seems to be finding his footing late in his career. He struggled to live up to his second-round billing during his time with the Lions, where he compiled five sacks across four seasons. He later moved on to the Rams, where he missed 15 games across three years with the team. Robinson was a full-time starter during the Rams’ Super Bowl run, however, with the veteran tallying 22 stops and a sack in four playoff games.
The Buccaneers have Vita Vea leading the middle of their defensive line, but they did lose some key depth in Logan Hall. Robinson represents an upgrade over incumbents like Greg Gaines, meaning the free agent acquisition should expect a notable amount of snaps even if he doesn’t start every game.
Panthers Release DT A’Shawn Robinson
As expected, A’Shawn Robinson‘s tenure with the Panthers has come to an end. The veteran defensive tackle was released on Tuesday, per a team announcement.
Robinson’s time in Carolina was in doubt leading up to the new league year. The Panthers granted him permission to seek a trade, a typical sign a release will be coming. No suitors were willing to take on the remaining year of Robinson’s contract. As such, he will now hit the open market.
This cut will free up $10.5MM in cap space for Carolina. The team will take on just $2.06MM in dead money charges along the way. Robinson, 31 later this month, lasted through two seasons after arriving on a three-year free agent deal. The former Lion, Giant and Ram served as a full-time starter during that time.
Robinson set a new career high with 5.5 sacks in 2024; he also reached a new personal mark with 80 tackles that season. In 2025, the Super Bowl winner’s snap share remained steady but his production dipped. Derrick Brown returning to health played a role in that, along with the arrival of free agent signing Bobby Brown. Those two, plus 2025 fifth-rounder Cam Jackson, will remain in place while Robinson heads elsewhere.
Teams in need of help against the run will likely be interested in this case. Robinson has topped two sacks in a season only twice, but he is a consistent producer on early downs. The Alabama product is not in competition with a particularly long list of free agents at the D-tackle spot, and the coming draft is not held in the same regard as last year’s at that position.
Carolina has already lined up a pair of major front seven additions (edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd). With this Robinson release freeing up additional space, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers pursue another big-ticket signing in free agency.
Panthers Grant DT A’Shawn Robinson Permission To Seek Trade; Team Open To Moving QB Andy Dalton
A’Shawn Robinson has been a full-time starter with the Panthers since arriving in free agency two years ago. The veteran defensive tackle’s Carolina tenure is likely nearing an end, however. 
Robinson has been granted permission to seek a trade, Joe Person of The Athletic reports (subscription required). In cases such as this, teams often attempt to gauge the trade market of a player they are likely to release in the absence of any offers. Person recently pointed to Robinson as a strong cut candidate, making today’s news unsurprising.
One year remains on Robinson’s contract, a three-year, $22.5MM pact he signed on the open market in 2024. The former Lion, Giant and Ram is currently scheduled to carry a cap hit of $12.56MM in 2026. However, a release in this case would yield $10.5MM in savings while only creating a dead money charge of $2.06MM. That could very well lead to a Robinson departure through a cost-shedding move soon, unless a trade partner can be found. Soon to turn 31, Robinson has totaled 145 tackles and eight sacks in 33 Panthers games.
Another Carolina veteran who could be on the move shortly is Andy Dalton. The longtime quarterback is drawing trade interest, and the final year of his contract contains a base salary of just $3.9MM. That figure could be attractive for any number of teams seeking out affordable depth under center, and Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has spoken about a willingness to find a new Bryce Young backup this offseason.
“There’s a potential that somebody may want him,” Morgan acknowledged during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (video link). “Andy’s a really good player, and he’s a great guy, great culture fit for us. I haven’t talked to any teams about a trade, but I think if the possibility did come up then I would talk to Andy, give him that option and let him explore a trade. I do think we want to get a little younger and a little more athletic at that backup quarterback spot.”
Dalton is 38, so the list of replacement candidates which are younger is rather long. The former Pro Bowler has made a total of seven starts across his three Carolina seasons, but Young has shown enough to enter 2026 as the team’s clear-cut starer. Even though a long-term extension is not likely to be worked out this offseason, Young could be in line for a substantial raise relatively soon.
Finding a long-term backup option as early as this spring would make sense for Carolina as a result. Just like Robinson, that could lead to Dalton finding himself on the move in time for the start of the new league year.
Panthers To Sign DT A’Shawn Robinson
The Panthers made a pair of major investments on the offensive line yesterday, and the team is now committing a long-term deal to the other side of the ball. Veteran defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $22.5MM contract with Carolina, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
[RELATED: Panthers To Trade Brian Burns To Giants]
Garafolo notes Robinson received an endorsement from Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. The pair were together when Robinson played with the Rams. That three-year stint saw him start 24 of 35 games between 2020 and ’22, although it was not sufficient to land him a multi-year deal in free agency last offseason.
Robinson joined the Giants on a one-year deal in 2023. That pact was worth up to $8MM in incentives, although the 28-year-old ultimately wound up earning its base value ($5MM). He has secured a much more lucrative investment this time around, and he will likely have a significant role to play in Carolina moving forward.
The Panthers have Derrick Brown in place as a foundational member of their D-line. The former top-1o pick enjoyed a career year in 2023, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Brown is eligible for an extension, and talks on that front have begun. A new deal for the 25-year-old will be costly, and the overlap (starting in 2025) with Robinson’s accord will make the DT position one using up considerable cap resources.
Robinson started 13 of 17 games in New York last year, racking up 62 tackles (the second-highest mark of his career). The Alabama product was a non-factor in the passing game with no sacks and only one QB pressure, but his ability on early downs will be welcomed by Evero and Co. Carolina struggled in a number of capacities last season, including against the run. Improvement in that regard will be a key offseason goal, and the Robinson accord is one aimed at achieving it.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/7/23
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from active/PUP list: OLB BJ Ojulari
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL LaColby Tucker
- Activated from active/PUP list: DL Calais Campbell
- Waived: DL Matthew Gotel
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from active/PUP list: FB Patrick Ricard
Cincinnati Bengals
- Placed on IR: DT Devonnsha Maxwell
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: DE Charles Wiley
- Waived: WR Ra’Shaun Henry
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from active/NFI list: TE Luke Schoonmaker
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: RB Nate McCrary
- Activated from active/NFI list: WR Grant Dubose
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Isaiah Moore
Miami Dolphins
- Waived: QB James Blackman
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Jacob Copeland
- Waived: WR Cephus Johnson
New York Giants
- Activated from active/PUP list: G Marcus McKethan, DT A’Shawn Robinson
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Bruce Hector
- Waived: QB Chris Streveler
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: OL Trevor Reid
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Jordan Ferguson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DB Avery Young
- Waived: OL Grant Hermanns
Washington Commanders
- Signed: S Joshua Kalu
- Placed on IR: DB Troy Apke
Streveler is currently dealing with an injury, ESPN’s Dianna Russini tweets. The Jets used Streveler as their top backup QB to close last season, inserting him into a Week 16 game ahead of Joe Flacco. Streveler stuck around via reserve/futures contract in January. But the Jets have since traded for Aaron Rodgers and signed Tim Boyle, marking a new era at quarterback. With Zach Wilson still around, the team does not appear to have any room — potentially even on the practice squad — for Streveler, who has played for the Jets and Cardinals in a three-year NFL career.
Apke has been with Washington since being chosen in the 2018 fourth round. He re-signed with the team in 2022 and stayed via reserve/futures contract in January. A shoulder injury, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, will move Apke to IR, which will end his chances of playing a sixth season with the Commanders this year. Kalu started five games for the Titans last season, playing 494 defensive snaps. Over his first three seasons, Kalu had never cleared the 100-snap barrier on defense.
Schoonmaker suffered a foot injury, a plantar fascia tear, during his final year at Michigan. The Cowboys’ top post-Dalton Schultz tight end investment will aim to make a push for a regular role to begin the season.
The Dolphins made Blackman part of their UDFA class this year. The former Florida State starter spent six years in college, finishing up with Arkansas State. The Dolphins swapped out Teddy Bridgewater for Mike White this offseason, but Skylar Thompson has made a push to be Tua Tagovailoa‘s backup. Regardless of that competition’s outcome, Blackman’s ceiling appeared to be practice squad QB in Miami. But the Dolphins may be looking into outside help for that developmental role — provided the team plans on stashing a fourth passer on its taxi squad.
Giants, DT A’Shawn Robinson Agree To Deal
APRIL 26: In terms of base value, Robinson’s deal checks in at $5MM, Dan Duggan of The Athletic tweets. The Giants are guaranteeing the veteran defensive lineman $4MM. Robinson can earn $1MM in per-game roster bonuses; $3MM in incentives are available. Absent an extension before the 2024 league year, $2.1MM in dead money will be attached to this one-year agreement. The Giants used void years to minimize Robinson’s 2023 cap hit, Duggan tweets.
APRIL 24: The Giants have added one of the top remaining free agent defensive linemen in advance of this week’s draft. New York has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8MM with A’Shawn Robinson, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
This news comes more than one month after Robinson visited the Giants, his only known sit-down with an outside team during his time as a free agent (though SNY’s Connor Hughes tweets that the Jets were interested as well). That meeting has eventually led to a deal, one which will allow him to join a talented defensive front and attempt to earn a longer-term pact on the open market next offseason.
The 28-year-old is coming off a three-year, $18MM contract with the Rams. Robinson started 24 of 35 games in Los Angeles, seeing his playing time increase with each passing season. He was productive during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2021, and remained a consistent run-stopper during his time on the West Coast. That led to a desire on the Rams’ part to work out a new contract, but they have spent much of this offseason shedding costs.
That left the door open to Robinson heading elsewhere on the open market as one of several veteran free agents in this year’s class. New York’s decision to host him signaled their interest in signing the former Lions second-rounder, but also their commitment to having notable depth along the defensive interior. Dexter Lawrence had a breakout season in 2022, and has likely played his way into a sizeable extension sometime this offseason. New York also has Leonard Williams in the fold; he is set to count for over $32MM on the team’s cap sheet this year.
Robinson will look to occupy at least a rotational role alongside those two in 2023, a campaign in which the Giants will aim to repeat the success of their defensive front from one year ago. A strong season could pay significant dividends for both team and player. The Rams, meanwhile, have now lost Robinson and Greg Gaines from their DT room, meaning the position could be one of interest in this week’s draft.
Giants To Host DL A’Shawn Robinson
Much of the Giants’ moves have come on the offensive side of the ball so far in free agency, but a notable defensive addition could be in the cards. Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson will visit New York on Monday, as noted (on Twitter) by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 27-year-old entered the offseason as part of a deep defensive line free agent class, and had not previously been linked to a potential new home. He is coming off a three-year, $18MM deal given to him by the Rams the first time he hit the open market. Los Angeles has been reported to want a new deal with Robinson, something which they could come to prioritize even more now that fellow free agent Greg Gaines has agreed to terms on a deal with the Buccaneers.
Robinson’s playing time has fluctuated over the course of his career, both with the Lions and the Rams. He started 24 games across the past two seasons, though, as well as all four games during the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run. His PFF ratings have seen a wide range, although one constant has been his relative strength as a run defender rather than a pass-rushing presence. His most productive season came in 2021, when he totaled 67 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Retaining the former second-rounder would give the Rams a consistent running mate for Aaron Donald, but the latter is on a very short list of veterans the team is insistent on keeping amidst their financially-driven transition period. That would make it little surprise if Robinson were able to find an offer from an outside team that the Rams were unwilling to match.
The Giants already have 2019 first-rounder Dexter Lawrence in the middle of their defense. The former first-rounder had a highly productive breakout season in 2022, making a long-term extension a priority for the team. Leonard Williams is also on the books for next season at a scheduled cap hit of over $32MM, so a move aimed at lowering that figure could be coming soon. If they can find a way to make a Robinson addition work financially, New York’s defensive front would be well-positioned to repeat their success from last season.
NFC West Notes: Rams, Hopkins, Seahawks
Coming off disappointing seasons, the Cardinals and Rams may be looking to make high-profile cost cuts. DeAndre Hopkins and Jalen Ramsey may well be available in trades, with the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora noting deals involving the two former All-Pros will come down to “when” and they are moved and not “if.” Both Ramsey and Hopkins have already been traded, each moving from the AFC South to the NFC West — Ramsey in 2019 and Hopkins in 2020. Although Ramsey required two first-round picks to be pried from Jacksonville, La Canfora adds neither player should be expected to bring in the kind of haul fans would anticipate.
Both talents are signed to lucrative extensions. Ramsey’s five-year, $100MM deal (which set the cornerback market in 2020) runs through 2025. Hopkins’ $27.25MM contract runs through 2024. Ramsey, 28, should be expected to command more in a trade compared to Hopkins, 30. Coming off a suspension- and injury-limited 2022, latter has been rumored to be a possible trade chip. Several teams called the Cardinals on Hopkins at the deadline. Ramsey, however, has been a dependable piece in L.A. His exit would leave the Rams vulnerable at corner, considering they have rotated low-cost pieces around Ramsey at the position for years.
A Ramsey trade before June 1 is not especially palatable for the Rams, who are again projected to enter the offseason over the cap. Dealing the All-Pro talent after that date, however, would save the team $17MM. The Rams having not restructured Ramsey’s deal makes a trade something to monitor, The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue notes (subscription required). Here is the latest from the NFC West:
- This season’s Rams staff did not particularly appeal to Sean McVay by season’s end, Peter King of NBC Sports notes. Upon returning, McVay is expected to make staff changes. This may have been behind the Rams’ call to allow their position coaches to interview for other jobs without the threat of blocking the meeting. Whatever the reason, the Rams’ staff should look different in 2023. McVay also likely has a bit of regret of not taking a major TV job last year, per King, who adds no top-level gig was on the table for the six-year Rams HC this year.
- The Rams will attempt to extend one of their UFA-to-be D-line starters (A’Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines), Rodrigue adds, but probably will not keep both. A former sixth-round pick who has started for the past two seasons, Gaines appears likelier — per Rodrigue — to be the team’s higher priority. Robinson’s expected market value could price out the Rams, who have Aaron Donald making a cool $10MM more than any other interior D-lineman.
- Jamal Adams, who suffered a torn quad tendon in Week 1, remains without a timetable, Pete Carroll said this week. Jordyn Brooks‘ ACL surgery is scheduled for Friday. The late-season ACL tear will make top Seahawks tackler a candidate to begin next season on the PUP list. Surgery could be in the cards for tight end Will Dissly, but he will first attempt to rehab his knee injury without a procedure (Twitter links via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta).
- Despite issues in the first season under DC Clint Hurtt, the Seahawks are planning neither staff changes nor a move back to a 4-3 defense, Carroll said. Seattle, which brought in Hurtt and ex-Bears DC Sean Desai to install a Vic Fangio-style scheme, finished outside the top 20 in yards, points and DVOA this season.
- The second-team All-Pro nod 49ers special-teamer George Odum received will increase his 2023 base salary by $250K, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Odum, who signed with the 49ers in 2022 after a Colts tenure, will also collect a $250K incentive for the All-Pro nod. Odum led the league with 21 special teams tackles. Attached to a three-year deal worth $5.7MM, Odum has become one of the NFL’s best special-teamers. He earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2020.