Devin Lloyd And The Bucs
February 3rd, 2026
In Joe’s mind, the Bucs need three new inside linebackers.
Draft two and sign one free agent, or draft one and sign two free agent linebackers. Or, hell, draft three or sign three free agent linebackers. However Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht wants to work on the math is fine.
The Bucs’ inside linebackers group needs a major overhaul.
Even if Lavonte David comes back (Joe’s not betting a nickel that will or won’t happen), should David be a part-time player at this point in his career, given how each week he had to have a knee drained of fluid?
Simply put, SirVocea Dennis, unless it is leaked he was hiding a major injury last year, is not a starting linebacker in the NFL.
Given how bad the Bucs are at inside linebacker, if you have already written off David, Bradley Locker of the PFF tribe thinks a Jags inside linebacker, a free agent, should be targeted by the Bucs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Devin Lloyd
The Buccaneers ended the 2025 campaign in unfavorable fashion, losing seven of their last nine games. The team’s defense was certainly liable, especially a poor linebacking corps.
Whether or not Lavonte David returns, the team cannot simply return the same crop next year. Lloyd’s well-rounded skillset could be affordable for Tampa, as the team can clear over $83 million in cap space via several restructures.
Given how Bucs coach Todd Bowles covets takeaways, this Lloyd may be Bowles’ kind of guy. Last year Lloyd had five picks (including a 99-yard house call) and a fumble recovery.
Lloyd will turn 28 in September.
Joe cannot imagine the Jags letting this guy hit the open market. But if they do, Licht needs to pounce while the free agency dinner bell is still ringing.
February 3rd, 2026 at 7:14 am
Just not LB Dean. He is glass.
February 3rd, 2026 at 7:15 am
Yes PLEASE!!!
He will cost more than the Devins, but worth it. I also like KC’s Chanel, should he wiggle free. Younger & much cheaper. Tbh, I’m curious to see Licht snapping into action, not just pick8ng through the leftover scrap heap for once
February 3rd, 2026 at 7:30 am
Love how Joe(s) just throw stuff up against the wall to see if it sticks — is Tampa Bay really a choice destination for quality free agents with Todd Bowles totally in a do-or-be-gone situation??
February 3rd, 2026 at 7:38 am
@Tom E,
27 yr old want the money. In their mind, they have all the time in the world to get a championship. 30+ year olds chase the ring, so their is hope if the bucs are willing to pay.
February 3rd, 2026 at 8:11 am
I was pounding the table the season before last at the trade deadline when Jacksonville sucked and was willing to trade players, for JL to call the Jags and offer them some picks for Lloyd. Like letting Coen go, the Bucs were asleep at the wheel.
February 3rd, 2026 at 8:16 am
The chances of him not being resigned are slim to none. If a team is willing to let someone walk, there is usually some baggage.
February 3rd, 2026 at 8:21 am
joe says,
“Draft two, sign one free agent or draft one and sign two free agent linebackers.”
Wishful thinking Joseph, is not gonna happen, LB is most definitely a need, but at least they are gonna make 2 moves not 3, there are so many holes to fill, specially on D