Bucs Not Re-Signing Depth LB For 2025

The Bucs have not revived one of their defense members since 2024. The team is sending restricted free agent linebacker JJ Russell to free agency. This is according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.

The Bucs are not bid for restricted free agent linebacker JJ Russell, and are now unlimited free agent. He was able to bring him back with a low bid of less than $3.2 million. He had 33 tackles in 2024, giving the team 49 tackles in three years since drafting them from Memphis.

– Greg Orman (@gregauman) March 10, 2025

Russell has been with the team since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He had quietly raised the team’s depth chart by the end of last year. To maintain his rights, the Bucs would have had to get a one-year contract with a salary of $3.2 million.

The road to JJ Russell starting Bucs

Bucs Ilb JJ Russell – Photo: Cliff Welch/Pr

After appearing in six games in 2022, Russell played a special team in eight games in 2023. There was also one start of defense in week 13.

He played well on that only appearance, recording seven tackles and bags. Russell returned to the reserve role as starters Lavonte David and Devin White became healthy.

This past season, Russell began the season as LB4 behind starters David and KJ Britt, and 2023 draft pick Sirvocea Dennis. However, he pushed the depth chart to a primary backup spot after Dennis lost to a season-ending injury following his fourth week victory in Philadelphia.

He was able to get some expanded looks due to injuries at week 9, 13 and 15 before finally securing a starting point from the week 16 Britt.

He’s finished season 33 tackles, two passes are defended and one fumble recovery.

Bucs is looking for it Upgrade your linebacker play this season And it appears they are moving from Russell as part of that plan. Alternatively, you could make another transaction with a bid of less than $3.2 million.

For his career, Russell has 49 tackles, one lossy tackle, two passes defended and one fumble recovery.