Bucs Re-Sign WR And OL

What Role Will Thompkins Have With Bucs?

Thompkins enters his third year in Tampa Bay after signing with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent. He has carved himself a niche int that time as the primary kick and punt returner, which he’s been average at. Playing receiver Thompkins would get playing time each game but was mostly used as a gadget type of player getting end around handoffs.

In Week 4 of last season at New Orleans, Thompkins scored the first touchdown of his career by catching a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Bucs won that game by dominating the Saints with a final score of 26-9. On the year, Thompkins recorded 17 catches for 83 yards and a score along with eight rushing attempts for 56 yards on said end arounds. As a returner, he averaged 20.44 yards per kick return and 9.36 yards per punt return.

It’ll be interesting how its shakes out for the Bucs next season. As a receiver, he’ll have to compete for a roster spot with Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and presumably a pick in this year’s draft. That’s even before any consideration of if Tampa Bay wants to re-sign David Moore if available.

While Thompkins is the incumbent on kick returns, the Bucs have a new special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, who may view the role differently. Thompkins presumably should get opportunities, but Palmer and others may also gain favor.

Walton Will Compete For A Backup Role

With only two accredited seasons, the team made an offer for the minimum salary for a player with two credited seasons, which is $985,000. That salary is not guaranteed.

Walton was originally an undrafted free agent signed by the Bills in 2020. He spent parts of 2020 on Buffalo and Pittsburgh’s practice squads. In 2021 Tampa Bay signed him as a street free agent and he eventually ended up on their practice squad. Walton developed well enough that the Bucs signed him to a two-year, $1,575,000 contract that covered 2022 and 2023. He was able to play out that contract as a backup tackle.

Walton did not see any action this past year, but played 234 snaps, including one start, in 2022. He earned a 57.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus with a 57.2 run block grade and a 65.3 pass block grade while allowing just five pressures.

The Bucs will continue to have majority say over Walton’s rights through 2025 as he will be a restricted free agent next year. Walton will compete in training camp to be the primary backup to left tackle Tristan Wirfs.