Buccaneers Sign Rozeboom from Division-Rival Panthers
Carolina's leading tackler joins Tampa Bay, bolstering its defense. Will he fill Lavonte David's shoes if the Buccaneers veteran retires?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added another experienced defensive player Monday, signing linebacker Christian Rozeboom to a one-year deal. The move keeps Rozeboom in the division, as the 29-year old led the Carolina Panthers with 122 tackles last season. Rozeboom joins former Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone as the new-look linebacking duo for Tampa Bay, who is still awaiting the highly anticipated decision from Bucs legend Lavonte David on whether he'll play in 2026.
Last Wednesday, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said the door remains open for David, who has made it clear that he will either return for a fifteenth season with Tampa Bay or opt for retirement and start the clock on his Hall-of-Fame induction. The Buccaneers have been active in replenishing their defense, signing former Lions defensive endย Al-Quadin Muhammad and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew . Rozeboom will reunite with former Panthers defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson , who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Bucs early in free agency.
After a limited start to his NFL career, Rozeboom has transformed into a tackling machine, racking up 336 tackles over the past three seasons. He began his career with the Los Angeles Rams before a brief stint in Kansas City . In 2024, Rozeboom broke out for 135 tackles with the Rams and adding his first career sack.
Last offseason, the Panthers signed Rozeboom to a one-year, $2. 5 million deal to supplement their linebacking core, but injuries thrusted him into a larger role. Rozeboom started 15 games, serving as Carolina's premier tackler and securing a lone interception - an interception thrown from Bucs starting quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 18 last season.