Fifth-year option thoughts.

While fans are buried in draft chatter and free agency rumors, there is another important decision by the Bucs looming that could directly impact the salary cap and draft strategy in the near future.

That would be the dreaded fifth-year option. First-round draft picks from the 2023 class will be the ones affected this spring. The deadline to grant a fifth-year option to the four-year rookie contracts is May 1.

Now beware: This analysis focuses on Bucs 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey. And the source of this analysis is from Thomas Valentine from the notorious PFF Tribe. The PFF Tribe is well-known for being Kancey Haters. In fact, they suggested Kancey was a bubble player during last year’s training camp. Bubble player!

Calijah Kancey’s first three seasons in the NFL have been a mixed bag. The former No. 19 pick has created the 25th-most tackles for loss or no gain among defensive tackles (21). He can absolutely make an impact along the Buccaneers’ defensive line, especially next to Vita Vea, but it hasn’t always looked like it works.

A big issue for that has been his ability against the run. Kancey’s … slashing style of play suits his role as a pass-rusher, but Kancey’s 9.1% pass-rush win rate is 58th among defensive tackles. Almost 75% of Kancey’s snaps in the NFL have been pass-rushing opportunities. That’s his wheelhouse, but the results just haven’t been as efficient as the Buccaneers would like.

Injuries have played a part in his inconsistencies as well. Kancey suited up just three times in 2025 and has appeared in just 29 of 51 available regular-season games since getting drafted. As the adage goes, the best ability is availability, and Kancey hasn’t proved that he can stay on the field. It’ll be hard for the Buccaneers to trust that moving forward.

Joe is torn on Kancey. Joe loves him as a player. But yes, he must somehow learn to stay on the field more. That’s a no-brainer.

Here is what Joe thinks: The Bucs often budget prospective contracts as far as three years out. Joe guesses the Bucs have already factored in Kancey’s salary for 2027.

So Joe thinks the Bucs will gamble and accept the fifth-year option. But in fact, it’s no real gamble. The money on that option is only due if Kancey makes the 2027 opening-day  roster. He could be cut before that with no penalty. Joe doesn’t think the Bucs are ready to throw in the towel yet on Kancey.

But if Kancey continues to be a part-time player due to injuries, he won’t last long.