The Facts: It's largely a formality, but the Bucs have tendered a fifth exclusive-rights free agent for 2017 in Brate, whose breakout season last fall could line him up for a lucrative extension later this summer.

Diehards Line: Brate, 25, tied a Bucs record for tight ends with eight touchdown receptions, also tying for the NFL lead among tight ends. He finished with 57 catches for 660 yards, both second on the team behind Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans. Brate has played parts of three seasons with the Bucs, but because he was only on the roster for five games in 2014 -- one less than what is needed for an accrued season -- he's classified as an ERFA, instead of a restricted free agent as he'd be with three accrued seasons.