The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to make moves to retain the pieces from their championship squad last season. Offensive tackle Donovan Smith will provide more pass protection for quarterback Tom Brady as he inked a two-year, $31.8 million contract extension to stay with the team until the 2023 season, per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Smith has been a mainstay on the Buccaneers' offensive line ever since he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Upon his arrival to the team, the Penn State product was immediately named as their starting left tackle, a role which he continues to serve as of late.

In the 2020 season, he encountered a roadblock as he was placed on the team's COVID-19/reserve list back in mid-December. Smith missed a game but eventually managed to make a return on the field in time for the team's postseason run.

His solid pass protection enabled Tom Brady to play at his best and lead the team all the way to Super Bowl LV. The veteran quarterback along with the entire offensive line showed out with a stellar performance in the championship stage to snag the Buccaneers' second crown in franchise history.

Offensive linemen are often overlooked by many but they still make vital contributions for every team in the league, especially for a Bucs squad that is aiming to vie for another championship next season. Donovan Smith's return will definitely a huge help for Tom Brady as he seeks to lead the Bucs in their title defense in 2021.