Buccaneers Re-Sign Defensive Lineman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Patrick O'Connor (79), a St. Rita graduate, works through the blocks of long snapper James Winchester (41) and tight end Nick Keizer (48) during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. (Doug Murray / AP)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the process of re-signing their own players. Per Greg Auman of the Athletic, exclusive rights free agent Pat O’Connor will sign a one year deal today to return to the Buccaneers.
Bucs starting to get to work on re-signing exclusive-rights free agents. Defensive lineman Pat O'Connor, a leader on special teams who blocked a punt and had his first career sack last year, is flying back to Tampa today and will re-sign on a one-year deal, be an RFA in 2022.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 8, 2021
The defensive lineman joined the team in 2017 after being cut by the Detroit Lions. After stints on and off the roster, O’ Connor played in all 16 games this year for the Buccaneers with a majority of his snaps on special teams. O’ Connor recorded a blocked punt week three against Denver and his first career sack week 14 versus Minnesota. As an exclusive rights free agent the Buccaneers just needed to offer a contract to O’Connor. His options were limited to play with the team or not at all. He will be a restricted free agent in 2022. The Buccaneers have TE Tanner Hudson, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter and LS Zach Triner as remaining exclusive rights free agents.
