Tom Brady returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keeps them in Super Bowl contention as he enters this season as a 45-year-old. Although his old age makes his dominance impressive, it also means the Bucs' have a crucial need for offensive linemen.

After Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet's retirement and tackle Alex Cappa signing with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Buccaneers needed to find more protection for Brady. Trading for Shaq Mason adds a guard that's familiar with Brady and Tampa Bay is adding more depth in the trenches by signing a former Bengal. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they signed Fred Johnson to a one-year contract.

Johnson, a 24-year-old, appeared in just 23 games over three years with the Bengals, starting in only eight of them. He has familiarity playing both right guard and both tackle spots at the NFL level. Tampa Bay could develop him into a versatile protector for Brady. Greg Auman of The Athletic indicates that the Bucs will use him as a tackle.

The Buccaneers protecting Brady so well has been a huge reason why they have been so successful. With Tristan Wirfs and Ryan Jensen still around, their offensive line should still be very strong. The re-signing of Leonard Fournette and the addition of Russell Gage ensures that Brady will have plenty of options to get the ball to.

The NFC South remains wide open for the taking. Brady and Buccaneers should have no trouble winning the division again. The ultimate test of how great they are will, of course, be the playoffs.