The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just protect their quarterback this week they protected their future. Right tackle Luke Goedeke has agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension, locking him in as one half of one of the NFL’s most secure tackle duos. The deal includes a whopping $50 million guaranteed, ensuring the Bucs won’t be worrying about the edge of their offensive line anytime soon.
At an annual average of $22.5 million per year, Goedeke now ranks among the top four highest-paid tackles in football, sliding just ahead of Green Bay’s Zach Tom, who cashed in earlier this offseason. For a player who was once seen as a developmental project coming out of Central Michigan, this payday is the ultimate validation.
Goedeke’s NFL journey hasn’t been smooth. Drafted in the second round in 2022, he was immediately thrust into a starting left guard role after Aaron Stinnie went down with a preseason ACL tear. Playing out of position, he struggled to adjust to NFL power and speed on the inside. Critics questioned whether Tampa had reached on him.
But 2023 brought a reset. The Buccaneers shifted Goedeke back to his natural position at right tackle, while All-Pro Tristan Wirfs slid over to the left. The result? Stability. Tampa finally had the bookend tackles it needed. Goedeke’s performance skyrocketed, earning back-to-back Pro Football Focus grades of 73 or better, including a strong showing in 2024 that ranked him 30th among all tackles.
Goedeke was entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Bucs knew they couldn’t risk losing him. Offensive tackles are one of the NFL’s most expensive commodities, and Goedeke’s youth and steady improvement made him a priority. By striking early, Tampa not only secures him long-term but also avoids a potential bidding war that could have driven the price even higher in 2026.
This deal also locks down both edges of Tampa’s line through the prime of their careers. With Wirfs anchoring the blind side and Goedeke handling the right, the Buccaneers’ offensive identity is clear: their quarterbacks and running backs will have protection at the highest level for years to come.
While Goedeke won’t appear on highlight reels like a wide receiver or edge rusher, his extension signals something bigger. Tampa’s commitment to the trenches. Championships are often won in the less glamorous battles, and Goedeke has shown he can be a difference-maker.
Now, with life-changing money in hand and a franchise betting big on his continued rise, Goedeke’s next challenge will be proving he’s worth every penny. For the Buccaneers, this isn’t just about securing a tackle it’s about building the foundation for the next era of success.
