Buccaneers signed a major upgrade at linebacker in latest free agency move

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a major need at inside linebacker after the weakness at the position hurt the team throughout 2025.

With Lavonte David still undecided on whether he'll retire or return to Tampa Bay, the need has become even more pressing.

The Bucs wasted no time addressing the linebacker room during the legal tampering period.

Buccaneers sign LB Alex Anzalone to two-year, $17 million contract

Alex Anzalone had frequently been linked to the Buccaneers throughout the offseason as a savvy veteran that would serve as an immediate upgrade at one of Tampa Bay's weakest positions. Tampa Bay acted quickly to sign him to a two-year deal worth $17 million as their first free agency signing on the defensive side of the ball.

Anzalone spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and has spent the last five years with the Detroit Lions. In 2025, he recorded 52 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.

Pro Football Focus graded Anzalone as the NFL's 32nd-best linebacker in 2025 out of 88 qualifying players. He graded 39th in pass rush and 51st in run defense, Most importantly, and where he should make the biggest impact, is in pass coverage,

Anzalone graded as the 23rd-best coverage linebacker in the NFL last season. For comparison's sake, Lavonte David graded 69th out of 88 while SirVocea Dennis ranked 84th. That's a major upgrade, and it'll be a significant boost for the defensive unit adding a player that won't be such a liability in coverage.

Still, the Bucs can't be complacent and must further address the position. Anzalone, who played his college football for the Florida Gators, will turn 32 at the start of next season. The team still needs to prepare for the future at the linebacker spot, and the NFL Draft could be the perfect place to find another new linebacker to pair with Anzalone. (Jaco Rodriguez, we're looking at you!)

For the time being though, the Buccaneers can breathe easy knowing they started free agency with a bang, making an immediate-impact signing that should go a long way in improving the defensive unit next season.