Time For Donovan Smith To Step Up

I am sure that everyone is already aware that rather than the Bucs’ front office having used the franchise tag on Donovan Smith that the two sides were able to come to an agreement. The Bucs have re-signed Smith to a 3-year, $41.5 million deal.

The signing is an important one because, at this point in free agency, most of the really good veteran offensive tackles have already re-signed with their respective teams. Smith is better than most of the offensive tackles who will remain free agents.

Donovan Smith re-signing with the Bucs for three more years is also important due to his experience being a five-year veteran and having started every game at left tackle.

Is there room for Smith to improve? Yes.

There is always room for anyone to improve. It still doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of the Bucs taking an offensive lineman with their fifth overall pick in a few months.

Smith had recently stated that it is time for him to step up and take on more of an outspoken leadership role. I look forward to watching Smith’s renewed sense of pride, moving forward. As long as he is able to continue doing his job, block well, and keep Winston upright and healthy, I will not have anything more negative to say about him. However, I look forward to seeing a much better effort, better performance, and a better year from Smith and the offensive line. The left tackle is the most important player on the offensive line as he the main one to protect Winston’s blind side. So Smith needs to do his part in keeping Winston off of the ground and healthy. I really hope he can do that.