The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping the offensive line intact, re-signing left guard Ben Bredeson to a three-year deal. Bredeson started all 17 games for the Bucs at left guard in 2024, solidifying the trenches. He played 99% of the team's snaps in 2024 on a line that allowed the lowest pressure rate (24%) in the league last season per Pro Football Network. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, Bredeson became a key fixture in contributing to a prolific Bucs' offensive output in 2024. Tampa Bay ranked third in total yards and fourth in points scored last season and was the lone club to boast a top-five unit in both rushing and passing.
"The group down here, not just the O-Line room but the team, the front office and the organization in general, is just outstanding," described Ben Bredeson. "I absolutely love it and I was thrilled to be back…It's a dream come true."
Bredeson will once again join left tackle Tristan Wirfs, center Graham Barton, right guard Cody Mauch and left tackle Luke Goedeke. Jason Licht and the Bucs' brass prioritized continuity along the front line and all five will hit the field in 2025.
"Personally, this is something I have never experienced before, having the entire offensive line return, let alone the entire offense return," said Bredeson. "It is very exciting and like I said, we are going to have to build this thing back up again. This is not going to pick up right where we left off. We have to build this back up through OTAs and training camp. With that continuity, between the running backs, offensive line, receivers, quarterback, I feel like we can really make some strides and hopefully streamline that growing process a little bit better."
Bredeson helped create leverage in the rushing attack last season and was adept as a drive blocker, countering power. Tampa Bay's 5.3 rushing yards per attempt in 2024 set a new franchise record, as did its 2,536 rushing yards. The Bucs rushed for 100-plus yards in 14 of 17 games last season, after accomplishing that feat in just nine of 34 games over the previous two seasons. Bredeson helped spearhead the Bucs' counter gap runs, extending lanes for Bucky Irving to exploit. From the podium, Bredeson discussed the development on the ground.
"Jelling not only with the offensive line but figuring out how the backs like to cut and how they view things that you hit on with Bucky and Rachaad - they are phenomenal running backs and it made our job easier," he said. "Most of the time, [they] made a guy miss and having Baker [Mayfield] back there, a very mobile quarterback, makes our job easier and we love it."
