Tampa Bay Buccaneers extend OT Donovan Smith, bringing back DT Ndamukong Suh, sources say

The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their busy offseason Wednesday, agreeing to a two-year, $31.8 million contract extension with offensive tackle Donovan Smith while finalizing a one-year, $10 million deal to bring back defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Smith’s extension runs through 2023 that includes $30 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, sources told ESPN.

By doing so, the Bucs created more room under the salary cap for this season in addition to maintaining continuity on the offensive line to protect quarterback Tom Brady.

Suh has spent the last two seasons on one-year deals with the Bucs, playing an integral role in their transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and helping mentor former first-round draft pick Vita Vea after the departure of Gerald McCoy.

In 2019, his first year with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Suh had 2.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries — two of which were returned for touchdowns. Suh finished the 2020 regular season with 6 sacks, a forced fumble and 44 tackles. His 330 plays against double teams were second only to the Los Angeles Rams‘ Aaron Donald, who was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Bowles credited Suh for not allowing Patrick Mahomes to properly step into his throws in Super Bowl LV, during which Suh registered 1.5 sacks. Coach Bruce Arians credited Suh for the impact he’s had on younger players, and for helping them overcome the loss of Vea during the regular season.

Suh, who turned 34 in January, was the second-overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 draft and has been selected to five Pro Bowls and is a three-time first-team All Pro. In 11 seasons with the Lions, Miami Dolphins, Rams and Buccaneers, he has 64.5 sacks and 563 tackles.

The moves are another in a busy offseason for the Bucs, who have now extended the deals of Brady and Smith, placed the franchise tag on receiver Chris Godwin and signed Suh, linebacker Shaq Barrett, linebacker Lavonte David, tight end Rob Gronkowski and kicker Ryan Succop to new deals.

ESPN’s Jenna Laine contributed to this report.