One of the big questions facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason has been whether they’ll exercise Calijah Kancey’s fifth-year option.
Kancey has shown real promise when on the field, but he’s only played in 29 out of 51 possible games with injuries keeping him off the field.
But Kancey led the Buccaneers with 7.5 games in 2024 despite playing only 12 games. His potential is undeniable as a truly disruptive force that has the talent to be a double-digit sack player.
Entering his fourth season, he’d be set to enter free agency next offseason if the team declines to exercise his fifth-year option. Kancey spoke to the media just last week following the team’s first offseason workout, and expressed desire to have some clarity about whether the team will exercise his fifth-year option. Well, he got his answer per senior Buccaneers reporter Scott Smith.
Buccaneers exercise Calijah Kancey’s fifth-year option, keeping him in Tampa Bay through 2027
The Buccaneers have picked up the fifth-year option on the contract of DL Calijah Kancey, their first-round pick in 2023. Kancey's contract now runs through 2027. According to Next Gen Stats, Kancey has 66 QB pressures in 29 career games. https://t.co/m540FlWMBu
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) April 27, 2026
The Buccaneers would love to have Kancey be a long term player in Tampa Bay, but he has to prove he can stay on the field consistently.
Kancey told reporters that his goal for the 2026 season has nothing to do with statistical production, he just wants to be able to play in all 17 games.
He’s yet to stay healthy for a full season in his NFL career, and now he’ll have two more seasons on his rookie deal to change the narrative and earn a long term investment from the organization.
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