The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have chosen not to tender safety Christian Izien as a restricted free agent, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Despite this, the team remains interested in potentially re-signing Izien as he tests the open market.
By not applying the restricted free agent tender, which starts at $3.52 million, the Buccaneers are likely aiming to negotiate a new deal with Izien at a lower salary. The 25-year-old originally joined the Buccaneers after going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2023, signing a contract that runs through 2025 with a base salary of $915,000 in 2024.
This season, Izien has appeared in 14 games for Tampa Bay, recording 25 total tackles, including one tackle for loss and forcing one fumble. The Buccaneers’ decision to let him hit free agency while maintaining interest suggests they may pursue a more cost-effective arrangement moving forward.
The Bucs are not tendering RFA safety Christian Izien but have interest in bringing him back, per source.
Izien has 111 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles since 2023.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2026
