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ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently listed his top 50 free agents for 2026 and connected two veteran defenders to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: edge rusher Khalil Mack and linebacker Alex Anzalone.
If the Buccaneers want any real shot at the postseason in 2026, the defense has to improve. Todd Bowles is still leading this unit, but 37 sacks last season ranked just 18th in the league. That edge room has youth and upside, but it needs a veteran tone-setter. Mack fits that mold.
Even after missing five games in 2025 with an elbow injury, Mack produced 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures. He is no longer an every-down defender, but in a managed role, he can still wreck games. In Bowles’ pressure-heavy scheme, a situational Mack could be highly efficient and bring leadership to a young pass-rush group.
At linebacker, Alex Anzalone makes just as much sense. With Lavonte David a free agent, Tampa Bay needs stability inside. Anzalone is quick at diagnosing the run, has experience calling defenses, and has played multiple linebacker spots. If the Buccaneers draft a young linebacker, Anzalone would be the ideal bridge and mentor while still providing quality starting reps.
Both veterans would instantly raise the floor of this defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: ESPN links two big-time defenders to the Bucs in free agency
Continue reading...
If the Buccaneers want any real shot at the postseason in 2026, the defense has to improve. Todd Bowles is still leading this unit, but 37 sacks last season ranked just 18th in the league. That edge room has youth and upside, but it needs a veteran tone-setter. Mack fits that mold.
Even after missing five games in 2025 with an elbow injury, Mack produced 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures. He is no longer an every-down defender, but in a managed role, he can still wreck games. In Bowles’ pressure-heavy scheme, a situational Mack could be highly efficient and bring leadership to a young pass-rush group.
At linebacker, Alex Anzalone makes just as much sense. With Lavonte David a free agent, Tampa Bay needs stability inside. Anzalone is quick at diagnosing the run, has experience calling defenses, and has played multiple linebacker spots. If the Buccaneers draft a young linebacker, Anzalone would be the ideal bridge and mentor while still providing quality starting reps.
Both veterans would instantly raise the floor of this defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: ESPN links two big-time defenders to the Bucs in free agency
Continue reading...
