The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are just days away from their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 53-man roster has long been set, but the depth chart has yet to be released. One of the burning questions was whether rookie inside linebacker Josiah Trotter would earn the starting job, or if the team would stick with SirVocea Dennis to start the season despite his struggles in 2025.
Todd Bowles put those questions to bed as the Buccaneers unveiled their first official depth chart of the season, naming Trotter one of their starting linebackers alongside veteran Alex Anzalone.
Bucs have unveiled their unofficial depth chart, and rookie Josiah Trotter is now listed as a starter at linebacker. pic.twitter.com/uVV5fOVudz
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 8, 2026
Josiah Trotter earns starting role on Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart
Trotter’s elevation into a starting role means the Buccaneers will officially enter the season with two new starting inside linebackers after rolling with Lavonte David and Dennis last season.
Trotter has been impressive throughout the offseason, so it’s not much of a surprise that he was able to secure a starting job despite being a rookie. His physicality brings an element that Tampa Bay’s defense was seriously lacking last season.
Trotter is known as a downhill thumper who thrives defending the run and as a blitzer. Some speculated that he’d be a two-down player early in his career as he continues to develop his coverage skills, but Bowles appears to believe that Trotter could be an every-down player for the Buccaneers.
In two college seasons, Trotter racked up 176 combined tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. He’s proven to be an extremely productive linebacker and a tackling machine. He was also regarded as a leader and tone-setter for the defenses he played on, and he’s already bringing that edge to Tampa Bay.
Trotter being named a starter does come with one quiet concern: Bowles’ defensive scheme is notoriously complicated and there will be a bit of a learning curve. But the best way for Trotter to get comfortable is by taking reps, and throwing the 21-year-old into the fire is the best way to accelerate his development.
Considering how strong his offseason has been, Trotter has the makings of a potential cornerstone player for the Buccaneers, and one that will eventually wear the “C” on his chest.
With all of the defensive upgrades they made this offseason, if Trotter can hit the ground running, it could help turn the Buccaneers into one of the NFL’s best defenses this season.
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