Terms: Five years, with a maximum value of $36.5 million and $13.5 million guaranteed
ESPN 150 ranking: 120
Grade -- A: Bringing back William Gholston helps solidify the Bucs' defensive line on base downs, which is huge in a division such as the NFC South, where the Bucs face running backs like Devonta Freeman, Mark Ingram and Jonathan Stewart two times each per season. Anyone who questions Gholston's value should revisit the game against the Dallas Cowboys, when Gholston left the game with a dislocated elbow, and the games after that, which were the season's final two games. His absence was felt.
What it means: Will the Bucs still pursue a pass-rusher in free agency or in the draft? It's possible. They have more than sufficient funds, with the fourth-most cap space in the league heading into free agency. The Bucs have made it known that they're not satisfied with their 2016 pass rush and have to do a better job of getting to the quarterback. The door is still open for them to do so. They're big on having a defensive line rotation and getting different matchups based on body types, and in order to keep guys fresh.
What’s the risk: The Bucs are rewarding a player they drafted and spent four years coaching. General manager Jason Licht has said he prefers to reward homegrown talent rather than sign a bunch of free agents. As long as the Bucs have financially put themselves in a position to upgrade their pass rush, there is no risk here.
