At the end of the week, Buccaneers first round draft pick Graham Barton (Center) signed his first NFL contract, becoming the final member of the 2024 rookie class to sign his deal.
Barton’s rookie deal is a four year deal worth $14,027,456 which is fully guaranteed. Barton will receive just over $7 million as a signing bonus with his first year salary technically coming in at $795,000. Year one of Barton’s contract will have a cap hit of just over $2.5 million in 2024.
The #Buccaneers have agreed to terms with C Graham Barton on his rookie deal: four years, around $14 million fully guaranteed. The 26th overall pick told reporters earlier he expected the contract to be done today. Now officially agreed to and signed. pic.twitter.com/EsxHvGuM7Z
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 13, 2024
Barton has predictably impressed coaching staff and teammates thus far during mandatory rookie camp and OTAs, giving new hope to the Buccaneers who got admirable play at Center in 2022 and 2023, but the writing was on the wall that Baker Mayfield could use a new, more polished option as his center going into the first year of his own new contract.
The young, former Duke Blue Devil showcased his ability to dominate at Center in 2020, garnering All-American honors while finishing his college career playing left tackle. He was on the Bucs draft board early and often when the team started constructing their potential Draft Night plans, consistently showing a quick adaptability and knack for leadership few young offensive linemen possess on Day 1 in the NFL.
Barton has been tested early, going blow for blow in the trenches with the likes of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, both of whom spoke highly of their young teammates willingness to learn right away and his proactive attitude since he showed up in the Bay has been a breath of fresh air. Coach Todd Bowles hopes to see this transition to the field this fall, as it’s always a huge relief to the front office and coaching staff to see their first round pick pay off, which Barton seems to be positioned early to do.
Thanks for getting your Bucs updates here at Sports Club Florida. Make sure to check out our other great contributors for more on all your favorite Florida sports teams.
THE CONVERSATION.