The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an important decision coming with veteran edge rusher Yaya Diaby.
Diaby is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Buccaneers have yet to decide whether he has done enough to earn an extension. That decision could become more complicated if Diaby continues to produce like he did in Week 1.
Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report believes the Buccaneers could eventually decide to let another team pay Diaby in free agency.
“He’s got to put up some statistics; he’s got to prove he can get to the quarterback,” stated Reynolds on the Pewter Report podcast. “If he has any more of these types of games, some team will pay him…there will be a team that will overpay Yaya Diaby, but if he keeps playing like this, hopefully it’s not the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
Diaby Needs More Production
Diaby played 40 snaps during the Buccaneers’ Week 1 loss. He was involved on 24 pass-rushing snaps during the game.
However, Diaby produced only one pressure against the Bengals. His overall pass-rush grade was 51.5, which was below average.
According to PFF, Diaby had only one game last season with a worse performance. That makes his Week 1 showing particularly concerning.
The Buccaneers need significantly more from one of their veteran pass rushers. Diaby will need to rebound quickly if he wants to strengthen his case for an extension.
Diaby’s Production Has Been Inconsistent
Diaby has experienced both strong stretches and frustrating stretches since joining the Buccaneers.
The third-round pick immediately showed promise as a rookie. He recorded 7.5 sacks despite becoming a starter around the halfway point of the season.
His production dropped during his second season. Diaby finished that year with 4.5 sacks.
He bounced back during his third season. However, his seven sacks still fell short of his rookie total.
That lack of consistent improvement could make the Buccaneers hesitant to commit significant money. Diaby has yet to establish himself as a consistently productive pass rusher.
Free Agency Will Complicate Things
Reynolds also pointed toward the money available to young edge rushers in free agency.
He mentioned Jaelan Phillips as an example during the Pewter Report podcast. Phillips has averaged seven sacks per season while also dealing with injuries.
Despite that history, the Panthers ultimately paid Phillips $30 million per year in free agency.
That type of contract could influence Diaby’s expectations when his rookie deal expires. The Buccaneers could have a difficult time matching the number if Diaby receives a major offer elsewhere.
The situation could create a significant disconnect between the two sides. Diaby will want to maximize his earning potential, while Tampa Bay must determine his actual value.
The Buccaneers Have Other Decisions Coming
The Buccaneers already have several major financial decisions involving important players.
Tampa Bay recently handed significant extensions to quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea. Those contracts will factor into the team’s broader financial picture.
Diaby is not the only player approaching an important contract decision. Guard Cody Mauch is also getting closer to free agency.
If both players enter the open market without new deals, retaining them could become increasingly difficult.
The Rub
The reality is clear, Diaby has to a significant jump in 2026 to justify a large extension. I’d argue that even with a great year the team should still be reluctant to extend him.
So I’d tend to agree with Reynolds here. Averaging six sacks per season ain’t nothing. But, that also isn’t where Diaby should be. Nor is it where the Bucs need him to be. Diaby has to be averaging close too if not double digit sacks in my opinion.
For Diaby, the simplest way to strengthen his case is to produce. A strong 2026 season could change the conversation surrounding his future in Tampa Bay.
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