Gage (knee) is a free agent after the Buccaneers declined his contract option for 2024, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gage signed a three-year, $30 million contract in March 2022 and ended up playing just 13 regular-season games in two years with Tampa Bay. He missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in August -- an injury that's considered one of the toughest to come back from. Gage turned 28 in January and should still generate some interest as a potential third/fourth WR if he's able to continue his NFL career and complete his rehab from the severe knee injury.

The Buccaneers may release Gage (knee) before he's due a $1.5 million roster bonus March 1, Dan Pompei of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gage also has a non-guaranteed $8.5 million base salary for the third and final year of his contract, though the use of void years means the Buccaneers will free up only $6.5 million in 2024 cap space if he's released. The 28-year-old suffered a torn patellar tendon in August, putting his NFL future in jeopardy. Gage might consider renegotiating his contract to stay in Tampa Bay and continue his rehab with the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers placed Gage (knee) on injured reserve Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gage will miss the entirety of the 2023 campaign after he suffered a patellar tendon tear during Wednesday's joint practice with the Jets. The 27-year-old dealt with numerous injuries last regular season, including hamstring, ankle and back issues, which sidelined him for four games. He also sustained a scary concussion during Tampa Bay's wild-card loss to Dallas in January. Gage reworked his contract with the team in March, and he dealt with a lower leg injury to begin training camp. After finally looking healthy again heading into joint practices, the 6-foot slot receiver will now have to sit out until the final season of his three-year contract with the Bucs in 2024.

Coach Todd Bowles confirmed Thursday that Gage is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Gage likely to be placed on IR in short order, the Buccaneers' depth behind top two wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin takes a big hit. Among those now in the mix to make cases for expanded roles this coming season are rookie sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins and David Moore.

Gage sustained a season-ending right knee injury during Wednesday's joint practice with the Jets, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gage needed a cart to get off the practice field following a non-contact injury. After undergoing an MRI, he's expected to have surgery on his right knee in the coming days. With Gage out for the 2023 campaign, the immediate depth behind the Buccaneers' top two wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin includes rookie sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins and David Moore.

Gage (knee) is expected to miss the entire 2023 season after being carted off the practice field Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Buccaneers haven't yet confirmed the severity of Gage's injury, but it appears to be significant given that it was of the non-contact variety. The 27-year-old wideout will likely be placed on season-ending injured reserve in the near future, with his attention turned toward making a fully recovery for 2024. Tampa Bay will likely add receiver depth behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, to fill the void at the No. 3 wideout spot.

The Buccaneers fear that the non-contact knee injury Gage suffered in Wednesday's practice is season-ending, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to picking up the injury, Gage was in line to serve as the Buccaneers' No. 3 wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The severity of his injury won't be confirmed until he undergoes further testing, but if Gage is indeed headed for a long-term absence, the Buccaneers will likely add depth at the position in short order. Beyond Evans and Godwin, the Buccaneers have mostly unproven options at receiver.

Gage was carted off the practice field Wednesday due to an apparent non-contact injury, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gage missed some time due to a lower leg issue earlier in training camp, but he now appears to have sustained a more severe injury. The Buccaneers have yet to provide an official update on Gage's status, but non-contact injuries aren't often minor. As long as Gage is sidelined, Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins and David Moore could see more reps behind the team's top two wideouts, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Gage (leg) is participating in 11-on-11s, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith adds that Gage caught a 20-yard pass from the slot during Thursday's practice while taking a first-team rep in 11 personnel. That will likely be his role once the season begins, working as the third receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, though it remains to be seen how they typically align under new offensive coordinator Dave Canales. There's already discussion of Evans moving around more in the new offense, and both Gage and Godwin arguably are at their best when operating from the slot. Versatility is a good thing, of course, but Gage might have a rather low rate of targets per route if he spends a good chunk of his time on the perimeter and shares the field with a healthy Evans and healthy Godwin. In any case, Gage seems to have moved past the leg injury that limited his participation in spring practices and the first week of training camp.

Gage (lower leg) was able to participate in the first set of 1-on-1 drills between receivers and defensive backs Monday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The activity level was a step up from Sunday, when Gage was able to jump into individual position drills for the first time. The veteran also participated in those Monday in addition to the reps he took against cornerbacks, leading head coach Todd Bowles to remark that Gage is "getting back to normal." Brianna Dix of the team's official site also notes the 27-year-old looked effective, using both a double move and inside leverage to record catches. Assuming he continues free of setbacks, it seems likely Gage will be able to achieve full practice participation before the end of the week.