On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the addition of Justin Peelle to Todd Bowles' coaching staff. Peelle will coach the tight ends after John Van Dam took on a new role as pass game assistant.
Peelle stays in the NFC South, as he spent the last three seasons as the tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Under his tutelage, Kyle Pitts caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl invite and setting the Falcons' single-season record for yards by a rookie. Pitts joined Hall of Famer Mike Ditka as the only tight ends in NFL history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie,
Last season, the Falcons had two highly-productive tight ends, as Pitts racked up another 667 yards and Jonnu Smith added 582. Overall, Atlanta's tight end group was the most prolific in the NFL in 2023, combining for a league-leading 1,380 receiving yards, with seven touchdowns on 114 receptions.
Prior to joining Arthur Smith's staff in Atlanta, Peelle spent his first eight seasons in the NFL coaching ranks with the Philadelphia Eagles, working with such productive tight ends as Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Peelle started out as an assistant tight ends coach on Chip Kelly's staff in 2013 and was then promoted to tight ends coach in 2015. When Doug Pederson replaced Kelly as the Eagles' head coach in 2016, he retained Peelle on his staff through the 2020 campaign.
Peelle started his coaching career in Philadelphia the same year the team drafted Zach Ertz and subsequently helped Ertz develop into one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. Ertz made the Pro Bowl three straight years from 2017-19 and in 2018 set the NFL's single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 116. Peelle also earned a Super Bowl ring after Ertz caught the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl LII.
With Ertz and Goedert together in Peelle's position group, the Eagles led all tight end groups from 2018-20 with 417 receptions and 4,388 yards, and they finished third in that span with 31 touchdown grabs.
Peelle knows the tight end position well because he played it for 10 seasons in the NFL, with stints in San Diego, Miami, Atlanta and San Francisco. A fourth-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2002, the former Oregon standout played in 151 regular-season games in the NFL, with 68 starts. He finished his playing career with 123 receptions for 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Peelle inherits one of the youngest tight end groups in the NFL. Starter Cade Otton was a fourth-round draft pick in 2022, the same year the Bucs selected Ko Kieft in the sixth round. Last year, the Buccaneers added Payne Durham to the room with a fifth-round draft pick. Those three accounted for 1,574 of the 1,617 offensive snaps logged by tight ends for Tampa Bay in 2023.
Van Dam is heading into his sixth season on the Buccaneers' coaching staff. He arrived in Tampa in 2019 to serve as an offensive quality control coach under new Head Coach Bruce Arians, then was named the assistant tight ends coach in 2021. He takes on his new role in 2024 after two seasons as the tight ends coach.
View the top pictures of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield from his career with Tampa Bay thus far!
TAMPA, FL - June 01, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during OTA's at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 15, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2023 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2023 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 27, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2023 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 09, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Special Olympics Post Practice Drills after 2023 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 11, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game 27-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 13, 2023 - The winners of the Girls in Flag Football Scholarship meet with Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are surprised with a tour of AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - August 16, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Aaron Rodgers during 2023 Training Camp practice at the New York Jets training facility. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - August 19, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. The Bucs won the game, 13-6. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 23, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2023 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 27, 2023 - Baker and Emily Mayfield during the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation's first 'BE the Ball' event. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 06, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - September 10, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45, Running Back Rachaad White #1, and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs won the game 20-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - September 10, 2023 - General Manager Jason Licht and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs won the game 20-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - September 10, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs won the game 20-17. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 14, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wins the Angry Scepter from Good Morning Football's 'Angry Runs' segment. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 17, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 27-17. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 17, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 27-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 25-11. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 25-11. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 01, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 26-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 01, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 26-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 01, 2023 - Head Coach Todd Bowles and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 26-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 01, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 26-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 01, 2023 - Head Coach Todd Bowles, Safety Christian Izien #29, Tight End Cade Otton #88, Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 26-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 20-6. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 20-6. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 20-6. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 20-6. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 22, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 16-13. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 22, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 16-13. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - October 26, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 24-18. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - October 26, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 24-18. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - October 26, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 24-18. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - November 04, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers departs for the game against the Houston Texans. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
HOUSTON, TX - November 05, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. The Bucs lost the game, 39-37. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
HOUSTON, TX - November 05, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. The Bucs lost the game, 39-37. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - November 12, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 20-6. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - November 19, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs lost the game, 27-14. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - November 21, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 17th Annual Turkey Time with the O-Line at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - November 25, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers departs before the game against the Indianapolis Colts. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - November 26, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. The Bucs lost the game 27-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 03, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 21-18. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 03, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 21-18. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 03, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 21-18. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - December 10, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 29-25 Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - December 10, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 29-25 Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
GREEN BAY, WI - December 17, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The Bucs won the game, 34-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
GREEN BAY, WI - December 17, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The Bucs won the game, 34-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 19, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Baker and Emily Mayfield's "Passing the Joy" holiday event at the Boys and Girls Club. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 20, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Nickelodeon NVP award. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 24, 2023 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown with Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 30-12. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 24, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 30-12. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 24, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 30-12. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 24, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 30-12. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 31, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 23-13. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 31, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 23-13. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 31, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 23-13. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - December 31, 2023 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game, 23-13. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - January 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game, 9-0. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - January 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game, 9-0. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - January 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game, 9-0. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - January 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game, 9-0. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 15, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 32-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 15, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #7, and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 32-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 15, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 32-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 15, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 32-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 15, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 32-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - January 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Divisional Round game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 31-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - January 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Divisional Round game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - January 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Divisional Round game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORLANDO, FL - February 04, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORLANDO, FL - February 04, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs for fans before the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORLANDO, FL - February 04, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORLANDO, FL - February 04, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
