For Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Luke Goedeke, a $90 million contract extension doesn’t seem likely to change much.
The Buccaneers right tackle opened up about signing the four-year deal with $50 million in guaranteed money that makes him one of the highest-paid right tackles in NFL history.
Goedeke has started 30 games over the past two seasons, and along with superstar left tackle Triston Wirfs, make up one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL.
Wirfs was ranked No. 9 among 81 qualifying tackles by Pro Football Focus, and Goedeke earned the No. 30 distinction with a 73.7 grade.
Led by the dominant offensive line, Tampa Bay scored the fourth-most points per game in the NFL a year ago (29.5), went 10-7 and won the NFC South for the fourth straight year.
What Did Luke Goedeke Say About His Contract Extension?
The 2022 second-round draft pick from Central Michigan was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract before he and the Bucs agreed to terms on the deal earlier this week.
But even though his wallet is now fat, Goedeke does not expect much to change in terms of his spending habits.
“I’m a frugal guy,” Goedeke said. “I’m a simple man all around. I still have a Ford Fusion.”
Goedeke said he splurged after signing his rookie contract — a four-year, $6.2 million contract in 2022 — by getting the windows tinted, because “it was like a fishbowl. It got pretty hot in there.”
The Bucs joked that Goedeke took out a loan from a teammate to pay for his tinted windows, and quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly called him “the cheapest player on the team.” All the playful barbs didn’t seem to affect him though.
“I don’t think it’s truly hit me yet,” Goedeke said of his contract. “But I’m the same guy day in and day out. Still punching the timecard every morning and punching out and try to be the best teammate to try and help the Bucs bring a Super Bowl back to Tampa.”
But all jokes aside, Goedeke spoke honestly about what the Bucs’ investment in him meant.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Goedeke said. “All the staff that makes this place go, they all have a piece in this whole ordeal. I couldn’t be more grateful and more thankful than where I am today.
What Did Luke Goedeke Say About His Progress?
Goedeke spoke candidly about his rookie-year struggles, where he battled injury and played out of position on the left side after being primarily a right tackle in college.
“Where I’ve come from to where I am today, it’s a surreal moment,” Goedeke said.
Yet, he has kept perspective about his awful 46.7 PFF grade in 2022 and how that adversity has set him up for success.
Adversity in life, it’s going to come the rest of my life, whether it be in the NFL, in day-to-day life,” Goedeke said. “There were tons of dark days, but trying to stay as positive and realistic as possible and trust the process.
“Hard work and determination have got me to where I am today, and that’s kind of how I saw that time period, like I’m just going to work my tail off and whatever happens happens. I’ll be the best teammate that I can be.”
Buccaneers Luke Goedeke Sends Strong Message on Contract Extension: ‘I’m a Simple Man’