Tom Brady’s call seals Ryan Jensen’s decision to stay with Buccaneers

Professional Bowl heart Ryan Jensen was concurrently celebrating his daughter’s birthday and considering his future within the NFL when he bought a telephone name from Tom Brady, who was about to announce he was returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“It was the icing on the cake on the finish of an ideal day,” Jensen stated Tuesday, reflecting on his resolution to re-sign with the Bucs somewhat than depart through free company.

“At that time I used to be just about already dedicated to coming again to Tampa,” Jensen added. “And clearly, that’s the sugar on high.”

Brady ended his 40-day retirement on Sunday, saying he has “unfinished enterprise” after successful 29 video games, a Tremendous Bowl title and a NFC South championship in two seasons with the Bucs, who misplaced to the Los Angeles Rams within the divisional spherical of the playoffs two months in the past.

Jensen, a first-time Professional Bowl choice final season, signed a three-year, $39 million deal a number of hours later.

The 30-year-old heart was amongst greater than a dozen key gamers, together with receiver Chris Godwin, tight finish Rob Gronkowski, operating backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones and defensive stars Carlton Davis, Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh, eligible to grow to be free brokers this month.

The Bucs positioned the franchise tag on Godwin for the second straight yr. With Brady returning, the staff now not is out there for a beginning quarterback. Re-signing Jensen and reserve guard Aaron Stinnie moved the membership nearer to addressing a necessity to switch as much as three regulars on the offensive line.

Jensen joined the Bucs in 2018, signing a four-year, $42 million contract in free company after starting his profession as a sixth-round draft decide of the Baltimore Ravens. He has began all 71 video games (65 common season, six playoff) the staff has performed since his arrival.

“Once we initially signed Ryan 4 years in the past, we thought he was top-of-the-line facilities within the league and he has solely elevated his degree of play in his years with us,” Bucs common supervisor Jason Licht stated.

“He additionally brings a toughness and grit that units the tone for our offensive line, which has grow to be top-of-the-line models within the NFL,” Licht added. “Ryan is a key part of our soccer staff and holding him was a serious precedence for us this offseason.”

Jensen stated he had no actual want to go away the Bucs. And it wouldn’t shock him if Brady’s return additionally influences the plans of different gamers weighing their choices.

“Speaking with Tom it was similar to, ’Hey, let’s attempt to get the band again collectively and exit and attempt to win soccer video games and play soccer the precise approach,” Jensen stated. “Clearly, Tom coming again, that would sway some choices of some guys which are in free company or trying to signal again.”