The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Apr. 6 the signing of veteran offensive tackle Justin Skule, bringing him back to the team after a year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Skule’s return is expected to strengthen the team’s depth at the tackle position, which is important as injuries and roster changes can affect offensive line performance during an NFL season.
Skule first joined Tampa Bay in September 2022 on the practice squad and appeared in one game that season. He then made the active roster in 2023, playing in all 34 games over two seasons and starting five times in 2024. Four of those starts came at right tackle when Luke Goedeke was injured, while his fifth start was at left tackle replacing Tristan Wirfs during a win against the New York Giants.
After leaving as an unrestricted free agent last March, Skule played for Minnesota in 2025. He appeared in 16 games with nine starts and played a career-high number of snaps on offense. His time with the Vikings included filling in for injured starters Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill at both left and right tackle positions.
Originally drafted by San Francisco out of Vanderbilt University in 2019, Skule made eight starts as a rookie and participated throughout their playoff run to Super Bowl LIV. After suffering a torn ACL during practice before the 2021 season, he spent that year on injured reserve before being waived by San Francisco ahead of joining Tampa Bay.
With this move, Tampa Bay looks to have solid options at tackle for the upcoming season. Goedeke and All-Pro Tristan Wirfs are set to anchor the line while Skule joins Benjamin Chukwuma as key backups.
