'I’d Love to': Tampa Bay Buccaneers Eye Extension for 19-Sack Defender

Yaya Diaby enters the final year of his rookie contract. Due to Proven Performance Escalators, which award third to seventh-round picks for averaging over 35% of snaps across their first three seasons, he is scheduled to earn a $3.674 million base salary while carrying a $3.917 million cap charge in 2026, per Over The Cap. Additionally, since Diaby completed his third regular season, he is eligible to negotiate and sign a long-term extension immediately, per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the league’s CBA. 

The Buccaneers eye an extension for the 19-sack defender

During the NFL Annual League Meeting, Jason Licht was asked about Yaya Diaby, who is entering a contract year, as reported by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. The general manager said he would love to have the standout outside linebacker with 19 career sacks in Tampa Bay long-term. Lastly, Licht described Diaby as a talented young player who he believes is a little underappreciated for his production during his first three seasons.

Here’s a look at Josh Queipo of Pewter Report’s projected contract extension

• Contract Length: 4 years
• Average Per Year: $23 million
• Total Contract Amount: $92 million
• Total Guaranteed: $50 million

If you include the final year of his rookie deal, it essentially becomes a five-year, $95.674 million deal, averaging $19.134 million per year, with $50 million guaranteed.