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The Buccaneers are reportedly adding a proven veteran to the middle of their defense after agreeing to a deal with former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, set to join Tampa Bay on a two-year, $17 million deal. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport was the first to report on this deal.
Anzalone brings real experience with him too, having started 93 games in his career while totaling 613 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 sacks, and his ability to play either linebacker spot gives the Bucs some immediate flexibility.
This is the kind of move that feels tied directly to Lavonte David’s uncertain status. If David does not return, Tampa Bay needs more than just another body at linebacker. The Bucs needed someone who could step in right away, help organize the front seven, and take on a bigger leadership role in the middle of the defense.
That is where Anzalone makes a lot of sense. He has the background, versatility, and reputation to fit in quickly, and he feels like a natural option to handle the green dot next to SirVocea Dennis. Tampa Bay would not be bringing him in on this kind of deal just to sit back and compete for snaps.
If this is the Bucs’ answer to the questions surrounding David, it is a pretty clear one. Anzalone gives them a veteran linebacker who can plug in immediately and help keep the defense steady.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Free Agency: Bucs reach agreement with LB Alex Anzalone
Continue reading...
Anzalone brings real experience with him too, having started 93 games in his career while totaling 613 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 sacks, and his ability to play either linebacker spot gives the Bucs some immediate flexibility.
This is the kind of move that feels tied directly to Lavonte David’s uncertain status. If David does not return, Tampa Bay needs more than just another body at linebacker. The Bucs needed someone who could step in right away, help organize the front seven, and take on a bigger leadership role in the middle of the defense.
That is where Anzalone makes a lot of sense. He has the background, versatility, and reputation to fit in quickly, and he feels like a natural option to handle the green dot next to SirVocea Dennis. Tampa Bay would not be bringing him in on this kind of deal just to sit back and compete for snaps.
If this is the Bucs’ answer to the questions surrounding David, it is a pretty clear one. Anzalone gives them a veteran linebacker who can plug in immediately and help keep the defense steady.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Free Agency: Bucs reach agreement with LB Alex Anzalone
Continue reading...
