The Bucs had big expectations for Russell Gage when they signed the free-agent receiver to a three-year, $30 million contract last March with $20 million guaranteed.

But Gage had a pretty underwhelming first season in Tampa Bay, missing four games due to a hamstring injury and catching only 51 passes for 426 yards with five touchdowns and a career-low 8.4 yards per reception. He suffered a concussion in the wild-card loss to Dallas.

Given the Bucs’ tenuous salary-cap situation, Gage agreed to take a pay cut to remain with the team, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Under the new deal, Gage’s base salary was lowed to a veteran minimum of $1.08 million, and he received $5.29 million in signing bonus for a guaranteed $7 million.

Much of that could be made up with performance incentives if Gage produces the way he did his final two seasons in Atlanta, when he averaged 69 receptions for 778 yards and an 11.3 yard average.

Gage is due to make $10 million in 2024, but the Bucs shortened the contract and added a club option after this season.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/theredzoneorg 
  
Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Theredzone.org