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The bulk of NFL free agency may be winding down, but there is still work to be done for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While Tampa Bay made several moves to patch holes across the roster, analysts at Pro Football Focus believe the team still has a few key areas to address before the 2026 season kicks off. In a recent breakdown of post–free agency needs for every NFC team, PFF highlighted linebacker, edge rusher, and tight end as the Buccaneers’ biggest remaining concerns.
Linebacker sits at the top of that list. Franchise legend Lavonte David has been the heart of Tampa Bay’s defense for more than a decade, but the team is still waiting on his decision regarding the 2026 season.
The Buccaneers did take a step toward addressing the position by signing veteran Alex Anzalone in free agency. Anzalone brings a blend of football IQ, speed, and coverage ability that fits well within head coach Todd Bowles’ defensive system. Still, with David’s future unresolved, the team may not be finished adding to the position. Especially with Sirvocea Dennis' play not living up to expectations.
Another area PFF believes Tampa Bay must continue to address is the pass rush. Edge defender YaYa Diaby has been productive, recording more than 60 quarterback pressures in back-to-back seasons, but the Buccaneers still lack a true elite edge presence. Tampa Bay did add veteran edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, who had 11 sacks in 2025, though it was not the splashy, top-tier addition many expected the team to pursue at the position. Under Bowles, the defense has often relied heavily on blitz packages to generate pressure, so adding another edge defender capable of consistently winning one-on-one could still give the unit a major boost.
Finally, PFF noted tight end as a position worth monitoring. Tampa Bay recently re-signed Cade Otton, but the rest of the tight end room has produced very little in recent seasons. Because of that, the Buccaneers could still look to add another option who can contribute in both the passing game and as a blocker. Many have tied Oregon superstar Kenyon Sediq as a perfect option at 15th overall, especially after the loss of Mike Evans, a 6'3 245 lbs. option could be a direct plug-and-play solution.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Offseason: What are the Bucs team needs following free agency?
Continue reading...
While Tampa Bay made several moves to patch holes across the roster, analysts at Pro Football Focus believe the team still has a few key areas to address before the 2026 season kicks off. In a recent breakdown of post–free agency needs for every NFC team, PFF highlighted linebacker, edge rusher, and tight end as the Buccaneers’ biggest remaining concerns.
Linebacker sits at the top of that list. Franchise legend Lavonte David has been the heart of Tampa Bay’s defense for more than a decade, but the team is still waiting on his decision regarding the 2026 season.
The Buccaneers did take a step toward addressing the position by signing veteran Alex Anzalone in free agency. Anzalone brings a blend of football IQ, speed, and coverage ability that fits well within head coach Todd Bowles’ defensive system. Still, with David’s future unresolved, the team may not be finished adding to the position. Especially with Sirvocea Dennis' play not living up to expectations.
Another area PFF believes Tampa Bay must continue to address is the pass rush. Edge defender YaYa Diaby has been productive, recording more than 60 quarterback pressures in back-to-back seasons, but the Buccaneers still lack a true elite edge presence. Tampa Bay did add veteran edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, who had 11 sacks in 2025, though it was not the splashy, top-tier addition many expected the team to pursue at the position. Under Bowles, the defense has often relied heavily on blitz packages to generate pressure, so adding another edge defender capable of consistently winning one-on-one could still give the unit a major boost.
Finally, PFF noted tight end as a position worth monitoring. Tampa Bay recently re-signed Cade Otton, but the rest of the tight end room has produced very little in recent seasons. Because of that, the Buccaneers could still look to add another option who can contribute in both the passing game and as a blocker. Many have tied Oregon superstar Kenyon Sediq as a perfect option at 15th overall, especially after the loss of Mike Evans, a 6'3 245 lbs. option could be a direct plug-and-play solution.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Offseason: What are the Bucs team needs following free agency?
Continue reading...
