Muscle Sport Magazine

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sign Fred Johnson

Fred Johnson has become the Buccaneers’ latest off-season acquisition as they look to strengthen themselves for the 2022 NFL season. Johnson, the offensive lineman who the Bucs had tried to sign three years previously, had just been waived as a free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals. The move will bolster the OL capabilities of the Buccaneers, something that cost them points last season. While it may not be the biggest trade of the off-season, it’s still a shrewd pickup and one that fans should be happy with.

This season will be tough for the Bucs, with a lot of experienced players retiring or getting older. While Tom Brady reversed his decision to retire, he’ll still need a lot of quality teammates to help his talent shine. Betway have the Buccaneers as one of the favorites to win their conference in 2022, and some are even tipping them to reach the Super Bowl once more.  

Who is Fred Johnson?

Johnson, who attended Florida University, first joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He started the season on the Steelers’ active roster but was dismissed in October after making only one appearance. The Buccaneers were one of two teams to file a waiver claim, but the Bengals were given the upper hand.

Johnson played in 23 games and started eight times in the next two and a half seasons in Cincinnati, including six starts at left tackle in 2020. He started the Bengals’ Week 15 triumph in Denver last season, filling in for the injured Riley Reiff at right tackle.

Why Have Tampa Bay Signed Fred Johnson?

With Ali Marpet’s retirement and Alex Cappa’s free agency departure, Tampa Bay lost both of their starting guards from the 2021 line. However, Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen was re-signed, and Aaron Stinnie and Shaq Mason could now flank him. Prior to his free agency, Stinnie re-signed, while Mason was obtained in a trade with the New England Patriots.

Johnson will fit into the team nicely, most likely offering cover in case of injury. Last season he only played in five games, starting just one. As a result, he’s most likely not going to be a starter here, but will offer depth in the roster for a Bucs team that will once again have ambitions for reaching the playoffs.

Chances for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022

So far, the Bucs have made some good moves in the off-season. As well as signing Fred Johnson, they’ve had Tom Brady return from retirement as the quarterback, re-signed running back Leonard Fournette, and signed wide receiver Chris Goodwin to a new deal. Tom Brady’s return definitely boosts their chances of success, as, despite his age, he’s still one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

In 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a record of 13-4 during the regular season, enough to take them to the playoffs. They performed ahead of expectations, going through the first round before losing to the eventual champions, the Rams. With the rest of the NFC South rebuilding, the Bucs should have enough talent in their roster to secure enough wins to reach the playoffs once more.

One possible stumbling block for the Bucs is the contract situation of Rob Gronkowski. Currently, the star tight end is a free agent. If Tampa Bay fails to re-sign him to the team, it could be a much more difficult season for the Bucs. Gronkowski forms an irreplaceable part of the team’s offence, and the Bucs would likely struggle without him.

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