The NFL Draft has long been in the rearview mirror, and free agency is but a distant dot like the Earth as you travel through deep space. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into that vast void of blackness otherwise known as the NFL offseason.
The NFL's offseason headlines are now reduced to schedule discussions, minicamp reports, and the promise that, in late July, teams will return to their facilities to start training camp. Between now and then, however, there is still work that needs to be done.
Despite having one of the best drafts of 2026, the Buccaneers still have work to do on the defensive front.
Tampa Bay Bucccaneers must find a way to bolster their defensive line
Jason Licht has nearly two months to identify and sign help for the Buccaneers defensive line. It's not that it's bad; it just needs to be better.
There are currently 10 players on the roster listed as defensive linemen. Of those ten, only three have more than three years of NFL experience: Calijah Kancey, who will enter year four; Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who will enter year 12; and A'Shawn Robinson, entering year 11. Vita Vea is listed as a nose tackle.
Having two players with longevity in the league is good, but it's also deceiving. Nunez-Roches has started only 62 of 142 games in his NFL career. In his first five-year stint with the Buccaneers from 2018 to 2022, he provided depth but started 21 games.
Robinson, on the other hand, is the guy the Bucs are hoping will take over the defensive front. Robinson joined Tampa as a free agent this year; his starting experience is deep, with 106 of 143 games.
Drafting DeMonte Capehart will help. He comes with a lot of promise, but the Bucs are still lacking that game-changing defensive lineman who can complement standout nose tackle Vea.
Vea is the Bucs' defensive line. As long as he is on the field, the disruption will remain consistent, but Tampa needs more from the supporting cast. With major changes made at the second level with LaVonte David leaving and Alec Anzolone taking over, this year is clearly a transition.
The Buccaneers believe that Vea, Robinson, and maybe Capehart can form a rotation that can be one of the better ones in the league. That may happen, but entering camp, this will be an area to keep an eye on.
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