Smith and Bucs general manager

Jacquizz Rodgers Jersey , Jason Licht met with media."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2016 NFL DraftInjuriesFree AgencyGame FilmDonovan Smith Emphasizes Security and Relationship with Ali MarpetNew,4commentsSmith and Bucs general manager, Jason Licht met with media.ESTShareTweetShareShareDonovan Smith Emphasizes Security and Relationship with Ali MarpetKim Klement-USA TODAY SportsOne day after signing his new three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Donovan Smith sat down with local media to discuss the deal, what it means to stay in Tampa, and the future.With general manager Jason Licht by his side, Smith fielded questions and answered them with a relaxed demeanor and a smile. It’s a big moment ahead of yet another big season for the former Penn State lineman who was selected along with Jameis Winston in the 2015 NFL Draft.Early on in the press conference, Smith talked about being a part of the team now and moving forward, saying,“I love it here in Tampa. The locker room, the guys. The community, the people around. I just couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. It’s just a blessing to be able to get this done and know that I have that security of being here for another three years. I just look forward to great things to come.”Some fans have certainly made their opinions known about being unhappy with the cost of keeping Smith in Tampa Bay either due to money or due to performance flaws with Smith himself.Despite this Adarius Glanton Jersey , Smith is certainly taking the opportunity to enjoy himself. On the day of his signing, the fifth-year tackle was in attendance as the Tampa Bay Lighting defeated the Winnipeg Jets with one of his agents and fellow lineman Ali Marpet.Speaking of Marpet, Smith asked about his relationship with his left guard and how important it was to be staying with him, which Smith replied,“To be able to know that I got my friend that I’ve grown to be my brother over these years, you know, we keep this thing rolling together it’s huge. You know, we just look forward to it.”Moving on in the conversation, the media in attendance and Smith covered topics like leadership and even more about the future. All eyes are on the future these days, and with one re-signing down, the Bucs and fans alike will certainly have at least part of their focus turned towards linebacker Kwon Alexander.Getting both Smith and Alexander back would go a long way to helping head coach Bruce Arians in his efforts to reload this Buccaneers roster and take strides to improving on what is already considered a talented group, despite their recent struggles in the standings.Like it or not Brent Grimes Jersey , Donovan Smith is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle for 2019 and beyond. If you missed it live, check out the full press conference on Buccaneers.com.Donovan Smith: Buccaneers Iron Man, Free Agent to be... Negative news has surrounded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Jameis Winston controversy of late but it’s time to switch gears and focus on Jameis’ blind side protector, Donovan Smith. Before we get into his current contract (rookie deal) and on-field play I’d like to touch on his best ability of all - availability. Since being drafted, Donovan Smith has played and started more games than any other Buccaneer (48 games). Moving forward with this, let’s take a look at Smith’s consistency.The best ability is availability, we’ve all heard this and when it comes to Buccaneers’ left tackle Donovan Smith, he lives it. Smith has started every game of his pro career along with 31 while in college. Smith currently sits fourth (3-way tie) in consecutive starts for left tackles in the NFL. There hasn’t been a whole lot going on that’s positive for this Buccaneers offensive line in recent years to say the least, but it is nice to know that the franchise quarterback can count on his left tackle week in and week out putting in work alongside him. As far as his play is concerned, Smith has shown steady improvement each season. While there are many fans that would like a quicker adjustment, Smith has outplayed what many analysts predicted early on. As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said about Smith prior to being drafted, “...he has a good shot of getting drafted and fighting for a backup spot.” A backup spot Cameron Brate Jersey , that’s right. Three years later and Smith has been the mainstay at left tackle for the Buccaneers. From a statistical grading standpoint, Smith has shown improvements when looking at Pro Football Focus’ grading scale as he’s improved nearly five grading points each season going from a 42.8 rating as a rookie to 2017’s 51.5 overall. Just from watching Smith’s play year over year, the improvements are visible but the consistency overall now has to come with it. Getting the opportunity to play next to Ali Marpet may be what the doctored ordered for Smith to take that final big leap and become a top 20 player at his position. Smith’s contract will be an interesting one as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season. Our own Evan Winter wrote about Marpet’s deal in relation to what Zach Martin got here, this is what makes the Smith contract that much more interesting. The Buccaneers just signed Ryan Jensen this off-season and are on the hook for nearly $5 million a year thru 2019 with Demar Dotson who could become a cap casualty with no dead money left on his current deal. Donovan Smith will get paid handsomely one would presume should he stay healthy and continue to grow as a player in a positive light. Just how much Smith improves is something to watch for as the team prepares to extend Donovan. As the teams Iron Man, a great community man and the left tackle, Donovan Smith should be applauded for where he is today both as a player and as a person. Smith is one of the good guys and should his on-field play match his off-field good doings, his wallet should feel mighty nice this next off-season. For those looking at a ballpark range, expect to see Donovan Smith bring in $6-$10 million a year in his next deal.Worth the price tag? 48 consecutive starts and a continual uptick and growth each year says yes. Pay the Iron Man.