By With Free agency beginning on March 12, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be shopping for linebackers.
The Buccaneers finished 21st in yards allowed (341.0) and 20th in scoring defense (24.8 points per game). Tampa was excellent in rushing defense, finishing fifth, while struggling in pass defense (27th) and red-zone defense (32nd).
Overall defensive play, and specifically getting pressure on the quarterback, is the most pressing need on this Buccaneers team.
Although the numbers don’t reflect how bad the pass rush was in Tampa, the Buccaneers need a huge upgrade at edge rusher and the linebacker position.
Here are five free agents the Buccaneers could pursue, and would immediately upgrade their pass rush.
Devin Lloyd ILB Jacksonville.
Lloyd is a true three-down linebacker and is listed by many as the best linebacker available in free agency.
He has elite grades from PFF in run defense, pass coverage, and pass rushing.
He would be a huge upgrade at linebacker for the Buccaneers, especially if Lavonte David retires.
Leo Chanel, ILB Kansas City
Chanel is above average at stopping the run and in pass coverage. He would also be a lot cheaper than Devin Lloyd.
His age and athletic ability make him a perfect complement to Sirvocea Dennis.
He is extremely effective against the run and is solid in pass coverage. He is only 25 years of age.
Quincy Williams LB New York Jets
Williams has played at an-All-Pro level the past few seasons. He has great speed, is a good tackler, and can be a force in both the run defense and in the exotic blitzes that Todd Bowles’ defense likes to run.
Williams had 100-plus tackles every year from 2021 to 2024, before dropping off last season.
Devin Bush, LB, Cleveland Browns
Bush was second on the team in tackles last season with 125. He also added two sacks and three interceptions.
Bush is coming off a season where he registered career highs in tackles, interceptions, and passes defended.
Bush’s speed and playmaking ability would be a great fit in Todd Bowles defense. He is fast, strong, and very good against the pass and run.
The only concern about Bush is his health.
Kaden Elliss LB, Atlanta Falcons
Elliss led the Falcons last season with 117 tackles. He had 3.5 sacks and one interception.
Elliss is known for his ability to blitz and rush the quarterback, totaling 73 pressures over the last two seasons.
He is excellent in run defense, but struggles at times in pass coverage.
We can only dream category:
Trey Hendrickson-Cincinnati
Kahil Mack- LA Chargers
Jaelan Phillips-Philadelphia
Kwity Paye-Indianapolis
NFL Draft prospects:
Arvell Reese-Ohio State
Sonny Styles-Ohio State
CJ Allen -Georgia
Jake Golday-Cincinnati
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
