In a pair of bold and proactive moves, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has ensured two key pieces of the team’s future remain in red and pewter well beyond this season. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke and cornerback Zyon McCollum, who were both set to become free agents after the 2025 campaign, have signed multi-year contract extensions, locking them up before the start of the regular season.
The early deals come as the Bucs look to solidify a young core on both sides of the ball and avoid a potential bidding war in 2026 free agency.
Goedeke, drafted in the second round in 2022, has steadily developed into one of the team’s most reliable linemen. After a rocky rookie season at guard, he found his stride when he was moved to right tackle in 2023. Since then, he’s been a cornerstone of the offensive front, bringing consistency, toughness, and a blue-collar mentality to Tampa’s trenches.
His new extension reportedly spans four years and includes performance-based incentives tied to Pro Bowl appearances and team success. “Luke has become a major part of our identity up front,” Licht said in a statement. “He’s tough, smart, and brings a work ethic that sets the tone for our entire offense. This deal was a no-brainer for us.”
On the other side of the ball, Zyon McCollum has emerged as one of the most improved players on the roster. A 2022 fifth-round pick out of Sam Houston State, McCollum initially made his name on special teams but has since blossomed into a starting-caliber cornerback. After stepping into a full-time defensive role in 2024, McCollum flashed his playmaking ability, speed, and instincts, racking up career highs in pass breakups, interceptions, and defensive snaps played. The Bucs view him as a long-term fixture in their secondary.
Licht has long emphasized building through the draft and rewarding internal development. By getting deals done now, the Bucs avoid cap uncertainty and send a clear message to their locker room: perform, and you’ll be rewarded. The extensions come just days before Tampa Bay opens the 2025 season, adding a layer of stability as the team pushes for another playoff run in the NFC South.
With two rising stars now secured, the Buccaneers have taken a major step toward sustaining success beyond this year.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers’ Jason Licht showing other GMs how to get extensions done early
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
