The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back a top priority free agent in cornerback Carlton Davis on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million. The deal includes a $24 million signing bonus with $30 total guaranteed in addition to incentives.

Davis was the Buccaneers’ top-producing corner, though his 2021 season was limited with injuries. He was placed on injured reserve in Week 5 and remained sidelined before returning in Week 12 for Tampa Bay’s win over the Falcons in Atlanta. Davis played 99% of the team’s defensive snaps in his first game back—a testament to the Buccaneers’ constant lack of depth in their cornerback rotation. The secondary was hit the hardest by injuries during the 2021 season, forcing a larger workload on players who were healthy week in and week out.

Davis finished the 2021 season with 11 passes defensed in 10 games played, adding on 39 total tackles. Davis ranked second in passes broken up the two years prior to 2021, amassing 18 in 2020 and 19 in 2019.

A 2018 second-round draft pick out of Auburn, the Buccaneers have made a habit of keeping home-grown talent at home. Though Davis’ asking price was rumored to be in the $19 million range as a top corner, the Chargers’ deal with former Patriot J.C. Jackson for five years, $82.5 million likely tapered that expectation. The un-retirement of Tom Brady likely also played a role as Tampa Bay has title hopes yet again for 2022.