Tackle Josh Wells is headed back to a familiar place.
The eight-year veteran is heading back to Jacksonville, the Jags announced on Tuesday.
Wells signed with the Jags as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 draft. He appeared in a total of 39 games in Jacksonville from 2014 to 2019, starting nine. During his time in Tampa Bay, he started 15 of 56 games played, including filling in for both Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs as the team’s swing tackle. In 2020, he appeared in 15 games with 1 start as the Bucs marched to their second Super Bowl championship. He made 5 and 7 starts in the following two seasons, respectively, while appearing in 28 games.
Wells’ departure leaves the Bucs in need of finding replacements for both their starting left tackle and swing tackle spots. While not a long-term option as a starter at either tackle spot, Wells was able to step in and perform in a pinch at either tackle position. It’s hard to see that type of player on the roster right now. The Buccaneers have an assortment of interior offensive line options in Nick Leverett, Aaron Stinnie, Robert Hainsey, and Luke Goedeke, but not many tackles. It sounds like Hainsey is set to compete for a guard spot, and Goedeke – while a tackle in college – played guard last season and doesn’t appear to be moving back outside at this point.
As such, the Buccaneers could be even more on the lookout for a tackle in the upcoming draft who’s game ready. The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from April 27-29, 2023 in Kansas City, MO.
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