J.R. Sweezy signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who needed a guard to replace retiring nine-time Pro Bowler Logan Mankins.
Sweezy was a college defensive lineman but was molded into a steller blocker with the Seahawks, starting 46 consecutive games and 49 total since he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2012 draft.
Sweezy turns 27 on April 8 and the North Carolina State product will be slotted at right guard in Tampa Bay.
"We identified J.R. early on as one of our top targets in free agency," Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht said. "He has all of the attributes we look for in an offensive lineman - tough, physical, smart, athletic - and he is a winner. We are excited to have him on board with us."
The Buccaneers re-signed running back Doug Martin to a five-year deal on Tuesday.
First-year head coach Dirk Koetter said last month that upgrading the line in front of Martin and second-year quarterback Jameis Winston was a top priority.
