The Bucs are ready for a full reset across the position group this offseason. That’s according to Bradley Rocker, a focus in the pro football. Lockers have been compiled recently list Of the biggest roster decisions faced by each NFL team. According to the locker, the Bucs have quite a bit of thought to think about the linebacker room.
“The Buccaneers face difficult decisions about several free agents, including Chris Godwin, but no one feels as sensitive as Lavonte David.
The 35-year-old led the Buccaneers with defensive snaps last season, but the elements of his play began to fade. His missed tackle rate rose from 7.2% to the worst 15.5%, while his PFF coverage grade fell to a career low of 56.9. It doesn’t help that fellow starter KJ Britt (all grades of 45.5 PFF) was also struggling last year, and that JJ Russell (all grades of 69.2 PFF) is also a free agent.
General Manager Jason Licht is good at keeping players in place, but he is also a cutting-edge executive who can predict decline. It’s a tough and heartfelt appeal to keep David in mind, of course, that he’s at the heart of Tampa’s defense. There’s a real chance that Buccaneers can have two new starters in the middle. ”
Bucs linebackers struggled last season
BUCS ILB KJ BRITT – Photo: Cliff Welch/Pr
There’s no one-to-one correlation, but the Bucs linebacker play has a signal and they struggle to cover the middle of the team’s field. Tampa Bay allowed 78.6% completion rate, 9.0 yards per attempt, 1,881 yards and 12 touchdowns with a target of 0-20 air yards in the center of the field in the regular season.
Lavonte David is an intelligent player who played at a relatively high level in a position with fewer top tier players last year, but in 2024 the drop-off from normal level play was notable. This is an age where a small number of linebackers can maintain the athletic abilities they need to continue playing in space. If he decides to enter his incredible 14th season, I’m sure the Bucs will welcome him with open arms. However, there is little chance he will improve.
Tampa Bay has not seen him reunite with KJ Britt. The team found a difficult way to see what happens when both linebacker spots lack speed and fluidity. And if David comes back, they can’t afford to run over it.
They’re high on third-year linebacker Sirvocea Dennis, but he’s been injured since entering the league in 2023. Britt’s missed tackle rate rose from 8.3% in 2023 to 14.1% in 2024. The stuffing tackler was his calling card, but his rating was the seventh highest among last year’s qualifying linebackers.
JJ Russell spent his up and down seasons as a fill-in for Britt when he was out with a mid-season injury. He later took over Britt as the team trusted him more. Russell improved his Britt, missed tackles and stopping rates better, and moved better in coverage as well.
Backs off-season options
Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa – Photo: USA Today
As PFF’s Bradley Rocker points out, BUC has the option to reset the room. This is Strangely deep free agent class As a position. Zach Boun is out of Philadelphia’s great season. Tampa Bay may also be interested in Seattle’s Ernest Jones and San Francisco’s Dre Green Law.
Teams can also find players in a specific role or skill set. Tyrell Dodson is an interesting name with good speed and a high pressure rate of 23.7%. Todd Bowles’ system works best when one of his linebackers can work downhill with quick convulsions and good bursts. Dodson has that ability and has shown solid coverage instincts in the past.
Teams can also use drafts to become younger and more athletic in that position. Although this draft class doesn’t have a top-notch first round pick, there are plenty of athletic options that could be available on the second day or early stages. Carson Schwessinger of UCLA, Jeffrey Bassa of Oregon, and Chris Paul Jr. of Ole Miss all fit the bill.
Whatever route the Bucs take, the lockers are correct. Tampa Bay is associated with the Lineback squad, so a big decision is awaiting it.
