The Buccaneers placed a first-round tender on defensive end Michael Bennett on Wednesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Any team that signs Bennett, a restricted free agent, would have to surrender a first-round pick to the Bucs, who would also have the right to match any competing offer.
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The 26-year-old Bennett was one of the lone bright spots for the Bucs, starting 10 games and recording four sacks. He's considered strong against the run as well.
"It's pretty cool to know they think highly of me," Bennett said.
Also this week, new Bucs coach Greg Schiano completed his coaching staff by hiring Brian Angelichio as tight ends coach, Bob Bostad as offensive line coach, Earnest Byner as running backs coach, P.J. Fleck as wide receivers coach, Steve Loney as assistant offensive line coach and Ben McDaniels as offensive assistant.
The Bucs previously announced the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, quarterbacks coach Ron Turner, and the appointment of longtime NFL assistant Jimmy Raye as senior offensive assistant.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
