Bucs agree to 1-year deal with Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom
Linebacker Christian Rozeboom, playing for the Panthers, sacks Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield during a game in December in Charlotte, N. C. The two are now teammates in Tampa Bay.
©Erik Verduzco Perhaps as a safeguard against Lavonte David possibly deciding to retire, the Bucs are signing another starting-caliber inside linebacker. Christian Rozeboom, who had 122 tackles for the Panthers last season, has agreed to a one-year deal with Tampa Bay. Rozeboom, 29, is the second veteran inside linebacker to join the Bucs this offseason, following former Lion Alex Anzalone .
Rozeboom signed with the Rams as a free agent after going undrafted out of South Dakota State in 2020. He spent four seasons with Los Angeles and appeared in 60 games, including 16 starts. He signed a one-year contract with the Panthers before the 2025 season.
In addition to leading the team in tackles, he had two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed and an interception in 15 starts. The Bucs defense struggled in pass coverage last season, especially in the middle of the field. Despite playing much of the season with an injured knee, David, 36, tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks with 1,716 career tackles, the most in Bucs history.
David’s agent, Ron Butler, said he will either return for a 15th season with the Bucs or retire . However, no timetable has been given for his decision. Clearly, Tampa Bay is hedging its bets by adding two experienced inside linebackers.