DeShawnn McKnight

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

DeShawnn McKnight's Contract Value Index lands at C, putting the deal in a defined slice of comparable signings. At $1.04M AAV over three years, this is a minimal financial commitment for a depth-piece running back, which aligns with the Buccaneers' evident offseason strategy of low-risk roster competition. McKnight's undrafted free agent status and the sparse media coverage surrounding his signing—filed alongside five other UDFA acquisitions in mid-May—underscore that Tampa Bay views him primarily as a camp body and developmental prospect rather than a plug-and-play contributor. The sentiment grade of D+ reflects fan and media indifference; this is organizational due diligence, not a headline move, and the contract reflects that positioning. Given the Buccaneers' 8-9 record and current roster construction needs, the three-year structure provides minimal risk and allows the team flexibility to evaluate McKnight in training camp without meaningful salary consequences. A C-grade CVI is fair for a sub-$1.1M annual commitment to an undrafted prospect—it's neither an aggressive bargain nor a misstep, simply a low-stakes depth signing consistent with how NFL teams build around their core.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where DeShawnn's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance AnalysisPre-Debut

DeShawnn McKnight has not yet appeared in an NFL regular season game. A performance grade will be automatically generated once career statistics become available and the 16-game minimum is reached.

Fan Sentiment

DeShawnn McKnight's public perception scores a D+ sentiment grade as fan and media tone converge. The narrative framing around McKnight is decidedly muted—Tampa Bay added him as an undrafted free agent competing for depth and developmental opportunity, a move treated as organizational housekeeping rather than a meaningful roster upgrade. Media coverage has been minimal, and fan interest matches that restraint; this is clearly a camp body competing for practice squad consideration rather than a rotational contributor expected to earn significant snaps in 2026. The Buccaneers' recent activity—a string of UDFA and backup signings across linebacker, quarterback, receiver, cornerback, and special teams—frames McKnight as part of a routine depth-building offseason rather than a signal of urgency or confidence in his ceiling. The D+ grade reflects a straightforward reality: McKnight arrives with no established track record, no media momentum, and minimal expectation beyond proving he belongs on a professional roster.