Russell Gage Signs Contract With Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Agree to Contract

Russell Gage served as the number one wide receiver with the Falcons in 2021. Appearing in 14 of the team’s 17 games, Gage tallied 66 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns. His 770 yards ranked 47th in the NFL, and his 66 catches ranked 43rd this season. Gage was targeted 94 times on the year, which was second behind the team’s leading receiver, rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.

Russell Gage earned the starting receiver nod in 2021 after Calvin Ridley decided to step away for some time. Gage amassed 37 first downs this year and had an impressive 11.7 yards per reception average.

Gage’s 2020 campaign was very similar to his year in 2021. In his third season, Gage set current career highs in both receptions and yards. He had 72 catches for 786 yards, plus four touchdowns in the 2020 season. Gage served as the team’s number two receiver, behind only Calvin Ridley. Gage did a nice job filling in for the injured Julio Jones, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans in the offseason.

Russell Gage had a breakout year in 2019 following an uneventful rookie season in 2018. In 2019, he had 49 receptions for 446 yards and one touchdown.

Russell Gage was a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft. Gage, out of LSU, was the 194th overall selection in the draft. In two seasons at LSU, Gage totaled 26 catches for 347 yards and four touchdowns. Gage started as a cornerback at LSU but switched to receiver after his sophomore season. He also had his fair share of rushes in his senior season; Gage had 28 attempts for 232 yards and one touchdown.

Gage flashed some impressive athletic traits at the combine in 2018. He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the event. The Falcons selected Gage because of his speed, and he played fairly well as the team’s slot receiver these past few years. His 6-0′, 184lb frame allowed him to be a speedy safety valve over the middle for Matt Ryan.