/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/tbt/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/07084052/conte.jpg "LOREN ELLIOTT | Times
Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) will return to the Bucs for 2018")
The Bucs have informed three key players they will be picking up the one year option on their contracts for 2018.
Right tackle Demar Dotson, safety Chris Conte and defensive back Josh Robinson each received notification of the Bucs plans Wednesday.
Dotson, 32, was having one of his best seasons before suffering a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his knee and missed the final five games.
Conte, 29, started 14 of his 16 games played last season and had 61 tackles, one interception and three forced fumbles.
Robinson, 27, is one of the Bucs best special teams players who excels in kickoff and punt coverage. Robinson forced two fumbles in the Bucs' season finale against the Saints.
All three players would have become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins March 14 had the Bucs not exercised the one-year options for 2018.
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