Buccaneers Eye Extension for Rising Edge Rusher

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Yaya Diaby in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 82nd overall pick. Since entering the league, he has developed into a reliable run defender and productive pass rusher, leading the team in sacks in two of his first three seasons. In his third year, Diaby recorded 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 62 pressures, 19 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and a 17.4% pass-rush win rate, which ranked ninth among edge rushers.

Contract Year

Diaby is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Through the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator, he is set to earn a $3.674 million base salary with a $3.917 million cap hit in 2026, according to Over The Cap. Having completed his third regular season, he is also eligible to negotiate and sign a contract extension under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

Licht Likes Yaya

During the NFL Annual League Meeting, general manager Jason Licht addressed Diaby’s contract situation in comments reported by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. Licht said the team would like to keep Diaby long-term and described him as a talented young player who has produced consistently over his first three seasons.

Via the Associated Press Rob Maaddi,

“And Jason Licht on Yaya Diaby: “I’d love to have YaYa here long term. He’s a very good, young player that’s probably a little bit underappreciated, I think, overall for what he’s done. He’s a good, young player. We like him a lot.“”

With steady production through his first three seasons and talks of an extension now in place, his situation will be one to monitor as the team evaluates a potential long-term agreement.