Buccaneers: Predicting the linebacker depth chart for 2021

Backup inside backers for the Buccaneers

3. Kevin Minter

There really isn’t another option for the Bucs on the inside. Kevin Minter has already played the third role for a few years now, and he does well in a depth role or as a starter if White or David go down.

The Bucs called on Minter to step into White’s role during the first round of the playoffs against the Washington Football team. This may seem like a big moment for most depth players, but Minter was able to put together a decent performance with six tackles, but the biggest success was that he didn’t make any significant mistakes.

A defender that can put together a quiet defensive performance under the spotlight of the playoffs is highly underrated, and Minter’s abilities to serve as a captain on special teams when he isn’t on defense is an added benefit.

4. Joe Jones

The Buccaneers should only keep four linebackers on their roster. With two clear starters and two backups that can play defense but mostly stick to special teams, this is the best use of roster spots and has been the recipe for the Bucs for the past few seasons.

The Bucs drafted two rookies in the 2021 NFL Draft that looked like they would compete for this final spot, but the signing of free agent Joe Jones should be the nail in the coffin for their chances to start the season on the active roster.

Jones has some experience on defense, but his time has mostly been on special teams, which is the primary need for the Bucs with his roster spot already. Jones’ time in the NFL only makes him a better fit for a team that will be playing in some huge games, and the safety of a veteran is hard to overlook for a team like this.