Former Minnesota walk-on signs contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s another former Golden Gopher headed to Tampa Bay.
Former Minnesota defensive tackle Sam Renner is signing a deal with the Super Bowl Champs. The Bucs announced that news on Friday afternoon.
We've signed three more players, bringing back RB C.J. Prosise and adding first-year players DL Sam Renner and C Donell Stanley.https://t.co/Pl6scwpS1K
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 12, 2021
Less than three years ago, Renner was surprised by coach PJ Fleck with a scholarship during the team’s spring game.
Renner joins two of his old Minnesota teammates on the Bucs: Cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr. and receiver Tyler Johnson.
Winfield played an enormous role in the Bucs’ secondary this season. In the Super Bowl, he made four tackles and picked off Patrick Mahomes.
Johnson didn’t see quite as much playing time, but was effective when called upon. He made multiple key third down catches in the postseason this year.
Renner had an outstanding career with the Gophers. He played 20 games over his last two seasons, recording 56 tackles, five sacks and nine tackles for loss. He went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft.
Obviously it’s not a longterm deal and Renner will still have to fight for his spot, but it’s an encouraging development in his career.