Offensive lineman Charlie Heck arrived as depth but was thrust into a starting role. Again a free agent, his 2025 struggles put his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in doubt.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line is, in the words of general manager Jason Licht, maybe the best in the NFL when healthy.
Tampa’s line was not healthy at any point last season, and as a result, Charlie Heck’s first year in Tampa went differently than expected.
Initially, the plan was for Heck to be a depth piece capable of playing left or right tackle.
But because the line was banged up to the degree that Tampa used nine unit combinations to get through the season, Heck ended up playing a much bigger role than anticipated.
Players such as Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch all missed extended time due to injury, thrusting Heck into the Bucs' shifting lineup.
Bucs Roundtable will take a look at where each of the Buccaneers' 2025 free-agent signings stands going into this year's cycle, starting with the player they paid the most.
Click here for more from our "Whatever Happened" series about the Buccaneers' Class of 2025 draft picks.
Into the Fire
Before Heck signed with Tampa, he had played his first four years with the Houston Texans and, in 2024, for both the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. He was initially signed to the practice squads for both teams, though was activated and played seven games for the Cards and played/started two for Niners.
Of those five seasons, Heck saw the most a 2021 campaign (877 snaps).
In the other four seasons, Heck combined for 628 snaps, averaging 157 per season.
For Tampa Bay, Heck appeared in all 17 games in 2025, starting in six, and went 473 snaps, playing 458 of them at right tackle. Pro Football Focus rated Heck 86th out of 89 NFL tackles, with a 45.2 overall grade.
His pass-blocking grade (48) was 82nd out of 89. His run-blocking grade (44) was also 86th out of 89.
Heck allowed 32 pressures and 29 quarterback hurries, which PFF considers below average.
Heck’s play also received scrutiny from one of the greatest Bucs ever -- Ronde Barber, who criticized Heck in September, saying he didn’t have what it took to protect QB Baker Mayfield without help.
Heck ended up starting six games for Tampa.
Where Heck Stands
Now, Heck is a free agent again, his one-year, $1.6 million contract for 2025 now expired. The Bucs could afford to keep Heck, with his market value roughly $1.7 million, according to Spotrac projections.
Tampa's front office could opt to re-sign Heck to another one-year contract, and see how things play out through the spring and summer, as they finalize their roster.
If he makes it through the whittling down to the 53-man roster, Heck will be there to plug holes if they need him. If not, the Bucs could release him and then re-signed to the practice squad.
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