3 underrated Buccaneers who will make a massive impact next season
By Brad Smith
KJ Britt, LB
Similar to cornerback, the Buccaneers have had a standout duo at middle linebacker for the past four seasons. Between 12-year veteran Lavonte David and 2019 No. 5 pick Devin White, Tampa Bay's middle-linebacker duo rivaled the top duos in the league for some time.
Like Davis III, the Buccaneers didn't retain White in free agency, who signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Eagles. Since the departure of White, Tampa Bay hasn't signed any free-agent middle linebackers to replace White, signaling a potential in-house replacement.
Related: KJ Britt is good
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) December 17, 2023
pic.twitter.com/FDNUZXfkic https://t.co/W4YXuYdPH4
Of the possible choices, KJ Britt looks to be the best option in starting alongside David on defense. Britt, the No. 175 pick in the 2021 draft, has been used sparingly as a reserve three years into his NFL career.
In 45 games (four starts), Britt has totaled just 54 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass breakup. An underwhelming three-year stat line may cause for concern, but Britt has been one of the top leaders on a young Buccaneer defense, and was a do-it-all linebacker at Auburn for four seasons, marking optimism on the 24-year old's outlook this season.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors
feed