Defensive Line
Yannick Ngakoue
Dating back to his rookie season in 2016, Ngakoue been one of the top pass rushers in the league. Over his nine seasons in the league, Ngakoue has recorded eight or more sacks in eight campaigns, while collecting nine or more sacks in four seasons. For teams like Tampa Bay that have young pass rushers and little depth, Ngakoue would be an ideal target for some teams to sign this summer.
Emmanuel Ogbah
After posting two nine-sack seasons as the Dolphins' rush end in 2021 and 2022, Ogbah was moved to defensive tackle, and went on to post 5.5 sacks in 15 games in 2023. This is a great example of Ogbah's versatility and playmaking ability all along the defensive line, something that teams could use around the league.
Linebackers
Zach Cunningham
With 705 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 23 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in seven seasons with Houston, Tennessee, and Philadelphia, Cunningham is another season veteran free agent linebacker still in need of a team. At 30 years old, Cunningham is past his prime, but his veteran leadership and familiarity in the 4-3 scheme could pay dividends for a team like Tampa Bay in 2024.
Shaq Leonard
Leonard, the 2017 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and former AP first-team All-Pro selection remains un-signed in July after a disappointing stint with Philadelphia in 2023. While Leonard has slowed down due to injuries, the 28-year-old was still one of the top linebackers in the NFL in Indianapolis, totaling 120+ tackles each season, 22 pass breakups, and nine interceptions while either making the AP first or second team and earning three more Pro Bowl nods in four seasons as a Colt.
Kwon Alexander
Signing Alexander could mark a reunion between the nine-year vet and Tampa Bay, as Alexander played his first four seasons in the league with the Bucs. Although Alexander hasn't replicated his success from his time in Tampa Bay, he has still been a serviceable vet bouncing from team to team over the past five seasons and is 29 years old.