Grading the Bucs free agency moves ahead of the NFL Draft

After finishing the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs for the first time in six years, the Buccaneers had a lot of work ahead of them. They needed major upgrades to the defense and stood to lose a number of major contributors on both sides of the ball. While many fans clamored for big-money free agent deals, Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht remained true to his longtime strategy of prioritizing value signings to round out the roster.

None of the Bucs' 2026 free agent deals are valued for more than $20 million or extend beyond the 2027 season. That is not to say the Bucs did not make valuable additions. They added at least one starter and addressed some of the problematic depth issues that plagued them last season.

While their roster still needs work, the Bucs got what they needed from free agency. Here are the Bucs' free agent signing grades for 2026: LB Alex Anzalone - two years, $17 million Inside linebacker was Tampa Bay's weakest position over the last two seasons, so an upgrade this offseason was vital. The former Detroit Lions linebacker is a clear upgrade over SirVocea Dennis and likely over an aging Lavonte David, who is contemplating retirement.

While the Bucs likely still need to draft a long-term starter at the position regardless of David's decision, Anzalone sets a baseline of play that the Bucs sorely need. While all but $5 million of Anzalone's contract is guaranteed, it remains a solid deal for Tampa Bay. Anzalone's $8.