The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found an absolute steal in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting EDGE rusher Yaya Diaby 82nd overall. Since then, he has developed into a solid run defender and one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers, leading the team in sacks in two of his first three years. Diaby enjoyed a strong third season, totaling 50 tackles, 13 TFLs, 62 pressures, 19 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and a 17.4% pass-rush win rate, which ranked ninth among EDGE rushers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout enters a contract year
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Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Yaya Diaby enters the final year of his rookie contract. Due to Proven Performance Escalators, which award third to seventh-round picks for averaging over 35% of snaps across their first three seasons, he is scheduled to earn a $3.674 million base salary while carrying a $3.917 million cap charge in 2026, per Over The Cap. Additionally, since Diaby completed his third regular season, he is eligible to negotiate and sign a long-term extension immediately, per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the league’s CBA.
The Buccaneers eye an extension for the 19-sack defender
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Yaya Diaby
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
During the NFL Annual League Meeting, Jason Licht was asked about Yaya Diaby, who is entering a contract year, as reported by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. The general manager said he would love to have the standout outside linebacker with 19 career sacks in Tampa Bay long-term. Lastly, Licht described Diaby as a talented young player who he believes is a little underappreciated for his production during his first three seasons.
And Jason Licht on YaYa Diaby: “I’d love to have YaYa here long term. He’s a very good, young player that’s probably a little bit underappreciated, I think, overall for what he’s done. He’s a good, young player. We like him a lot.”
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) March 30, 2026
Contract Length: 4 years
Average Per Year: $23 million
Total Contract Amount: $92 million
Total Guaranteed: $50 million
If you include the final year of his rookie deal, it essentially becomes a five-year, $95.674 million deal, averaging $19.134 million per year, with $50 million guaranteed.
Also Read: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Land Breakout Pass Rusher for 2026