Rueben Bain Jr. heads to Tampa Bay with a $23 million fully guaranteed deal, donning a legendary jersey as he joins former Hurricanes teammate Keionte Scott.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes had the second-most players selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, including edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being a projected top-10 pick, the All-American fell to No. 15 but landed in arguably the best situation possible. The Miami native embarks on a new journey not so far from home.
Bain Jr. will officially wear No. 3, moving on from No. 4, which kicker Chase McLaughlin is currently using. Regardless, there was still the business side of football to handle before the 21-year-old could take a roster spot.
It wouldn’t take long, as the former Hurricanes star officially signed a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth up to $23.76 million, including a $13.74 million signing bonus. He will earn an average salary of roughly around $5.90 million.
The earliest Bain Jr. can enter free agency is in 2030, but the Buccaneers can franchise tag him up to three times.
“What’s up, krewe?” he said on the team’s social media. “Just signed the deal, it’s official. Now, I’m a Buc. Excited to see y’all in Tampa Bay. I’m going to Raymond James [Stadium] real soon.”
Bain Jr. was wearing a throwback Warren Sapp jersey backwards at the signing. He played 13 years in the league, nine with the Buccaneers before four with the Oakland Raiders. Sapp was a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, won a Super Bowl in 2002, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
The former Hurricanes star is coming off a career season: 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two passes defended, a pass broken up, a forced fumble, and a 12-yard interception against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He played a significant role in the program’s turnaround, leading the team to a National Championship appearance.
Despite the short-arm-length narratives, Bain Jr. is expected to remain a dominant force. However, it might not always come from the edge.
On the same day, the Buccaneers signed cornerback and former Hurricanes teammate Keionte Scott. He was a fourth-round selection, but the contract’s worth hasn’t been publicly reported.
The 24-year-old played six seasons of college football, the first two in JUCO, but truly blossomed as a member of the Hurricanes’ secondary. He recorded 64 total tackles, 42 solos and 22 assists, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven passes defended, five passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, both pick-sixes.
The Buccanneers have two immediately-ready rookies on defense, both looking to deliver.
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