What are the Bucs team needs following free agency?
The Bucs needs remain the same following free agency moves by the team.
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.