Derrick Brooks: Bucs Have The Pieces To Transition Successfully After Mike Evans And Lavonte David
March 28th, 2026
New era.
Joe gets how most Bucs fans are in a bit of shock after Lavonte David classily hung up his cleats and Mike Evans ran away from Tampa as fast as he could.
Evans was so damn hungry to go, he didn’t even tell David why he left.
So what’s next? Fellow Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks addressed that this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“Transitions take patience. Do they have the players on the roster, the leadership in place to do it? Absolutely,” Brooks said of the Bucs. “This league is full of transition every single day. So this is nothing new.”
Brooks said he’s very confident Todd Bowles and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht have a strong plan. And yes, Joe knows Brooks stays very close to the organization. However, Brooks said that plan shouldn’t include the bosses meddling with changes on the ground.
“Front office and coaches, they can only do so much. A majority of this has to be done within the team, within the locker room,” Brooks said. I’ve learned being a part of this league a long time. When the front office and coaches try to dip those hands and toes too much over into that area of transition of that locker room, it doesn’t go well.”
Brooks said it’ll be key for the Bucs to trust their new additions and their core players to figure it out the inevitable culture change.
Joe isn’t hanging the Bucs’ collapse last season on Evans and David, but perhaps in some ways a lot of fresh blood and different voices rising in the locker room will be a good thing.
“This Joe” really expects Calijah Kancey to jump in and try to lead the defense his way.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:04 pm
The Bucs lack a vocal leader on offense and defense
It’s the leaders job to keep the players in check
And maintain a strong locker room and culture
March 28th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
We still have a bunch of real WRs. I heard a Godwin remark to trade him. The other WRs need his expertise and experience.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
Kancey has to stay healthy first to be that leadership voice. I imagine Gainwell will be a new voice in that role on the O given how raved about his qualities were in Pittsburgh.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:13 pm
The Bucs are a couple of good defensive players and a HC away from being really good.
This “transition” wont start until Bowles is gone.
Hope im wrong and Bowles proves 90% of the fan base wrong.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:14 pm
Name the names #55 !
We ain’t buying the smoke you and the front office are pushing!
Name the names because the WHOLE FREAKING NFL ain’t seeing them!
March 28th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Kancey is the wrong player for leadership
Strong leaders lead by example, Kancey is always in street clothes
Too many soft spoken choir boys on this team
March 28th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Rub a dub dub, Kancey in the tub. I hope you’re right, Joe. Kind of hard to have a leader in a T- shirt on the sidelines though. Anzalone has a chance and maybe Tykee or Robinson. Damn sure won’t be a cornerback. AWJ ought to step up now that LVD is gone. Maybe being a leader will make him remember why he’s there.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:29 pm
Love DB more than any other player. Best Buc of all-time. Great human. But I do not believe him here. Sorry. Nope.
-David
March 28th, 2026 at 4:31 pm
Sign Calais Campbell to replace Hall as our run stuffing DE. He can set the edge.
Draft a nasty DT in the 1st round to replace Gaines.
Bam. Two MAJOR upgrades.
Draft a MLB in round #2.
Beef up the middle of the defense.
Teach Tykee Smith to play MLB as well. Especially for our dime package.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
I love Derrick Brooks, but he lost me when he said he has confidence in Todd Bowles. What would give him or anybody else confidence, the way the defense looked the last couple years? I mean, if you have Kirk Cousins in your fantasy league, I’d see why you’d still want Bowles around.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
The Bucs lack leadership on offense? I thought that was Baker’s job and one of his many “intangibles.” Gotta hand it to the Bucs OGs, they are loyal and won’t call a spade a spade no matter what. I love Brooks but if they had the leadership to get it done then they would’ve won at lease ONE more game in that 2-7 nosedive to make the post season.
The way this organization is constructed from GM, to HC to the entire roster…name the person that will lead the turn around. What has that person done in the past that leads you believe they’ll do it again?
March 28th, 2026 at 5:11 pm
Joe … ‘“This Joe” really expects Calijah Kancey to jump in and try to lead the defense his way.’
I’m trying to figure out where that one came from Joe. Calijah Kancey barely has a 38% availability over his first 3 yrs. I can’t remember ever hearing Kancey’s name being associated with leadership on the Bucs. Not hard to figure out. Kancey has the right makeup. Even without these comments from Bowles. –Joe https://www.joebucsfan.com/2026/01/todd-bowles-thinks-calijah-kancey-will-be-a-captain/
I think he’ll be very fortunate if he’s still a Buc in 2027. Being a Rnd 1 pick, the Bucs would have to guarantee Kancey someplace around $14.5 mil by May. Licht would be crazy to do that IMO. If Calijah does well, offer him a new contract. If he spends the year in the tub again, bye bye birdie.
I’d love to see him used further outside this year though. I still think that he’s more of a DE than a DT, and if used a bit further outside he’ll survive better and be more effective.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
The problem isn’t talent—it’s identity. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft good players, but not enough dawgs.
Look at how Sean Payton teams are built—guys play with edge, finish plays, and bring real toughness. We draft too many “safe,” high-character guys instead of players you hate lining up against.
That shows up on the field—missed tackles, no intimidation, and a defense that reacts instead of attacks.
Until we start prioritizing toughness, motor, and attitude—not just measurables—this team won’t change.
Right now we’re built to be liked. We need to be built to be feared.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
Brandon Cleveland could be a sleeper DT to consider.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Put Kancey in the “if he’d just stay healthy” column but if he does we could be decent on D.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Derrick Brooks … “Front office and coaches, they can only do so much. A majority of this has to be done within the team, within the locker room.”
So glad to hear DB55 say that because he’s spot on. Coaches can only do so much from the sidelines. It’s the FIELD GENERALS who make a huge difference in how well called plays get executed.
I’m admittedly more confident that our offense will return to being more productive faster than our defense will (fewer new ‘moving parts’ & more established field leadership in Mayfield, Bredeson & Godwin). But our defensive ‘rebuilding’ has come a long ways already in free agency with the addition of DT Robinson, LBs Anzalone & Rozeboom, OLB Muhammad & Safety Killebrew. None of them appear to be superstars, but they’re all tough as nails. Add in a solid draft will 3 starter-capable guys at NT/DT, ILB & CB as a minimum and we’ll be in good shape.
I can picture a starting defense that looks like the following:
o NT: Vea … Backup: rookie NT/DT
o DT: Robinson … Backup: Elijah Roberts
o DE: Kancey … Backup:
o OLB 1: Diaby … Backups: Walker
o OLB 2: Muhammad … Backups: Nelson, Braswell
o MLB: Anzalone … Backup: SVD
o ILB: Rookie … Backup: Rozeboom
o CB 1: McCollum … Backup: Parrish (primarily our Nickel)
o CB 2: Morrison … Backup: Rookie
o FS: Winfield … Backup: JJ Roberts
o SS: T Smith … Backup: Killebrew
That’s only 22 players, and Bowles will almost surely keep 25 on defense. Guess is that we’ll keep OLB Kamara, plus probably CB Hayes plus 1 more rookie draft pick.
In any event, that’s not a toothless defense. There’s a lot of experience in there, and a good mix of veterans & youth. Bucs may very well do better this season than many are predicting.
March 28th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
No fans are in shock about them leaving
March 28th, 2026 at 5:51 pm
DR I’ve been saying the same thing for a while, move him outside, I think he’d really shine there and not as much heavy traffic in the middle. McCoy was bigger than him and he got pounded in there. All the same sometimes it’s just the physical makeup of a particular person but you get pushed and pulled in so many awkward angles in there no wonder torn biceps and pecs aren’t more common.
March 28th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Kancey needs to exhibit availability before being handed anymore responsibility.
March 28th, 2026 at 6:03 pm
The leader on offense is hand’s down Tristan Wirf. Anyone who leapfrog from the swimming pool head’s up to stand on solid concrete is a leader by nature. He’s a scrapper n I vet him to be our leader.
March 28th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
Aright Aready Pre Season HYPapalooza!
March 28th, 2026 at 6:56 pm
@Defense Rules
@Joebucsfan.com
Defense, I agree with your points, especially the one about moving Calijah more toward the outside… if he could stay healthy, he’d be lethal in a role like that.
However, I distinctly recall reading somewhere, possibly here on Joebucsfan.com, that Todd Bowles chooses the team captains.
If that’s the case, we can pretty much bank on it at some point in the future, provided Todd and Calijah are both here. Todd wouldn’t mistakenly let something like what Joe quoted in the referenced article slip. He’s pretty intentional about things like that.
March 28th, 2026 at 7:07 pm
Joe … Really appreciate the link (Todd Bowles Thinks Calijah Kancey Will Be A Captain – January 12th, 2026). Never saw that one (was probably still in mourning).
Still don’t think Kancey will be a Team Captain though. IF LVD had re-signed, the def captains would be Vea, LVD & Winfield again. With Anzalone obviously starting (most likely at MLB and calling the plays on the field), I’ll put my money on him as opposed to Kancey.
Like Stormy said in his comments to the referenced article … ‘Captain Tub Commander’. I still have serious doubts that Kancey will even be a Buc in 2027.
March 28th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
dmatt … ‘The leader on offense is hand’s down Tristan Wirf.’
No question in my mind that Tristan is the best player on the offense, BUT … the leader of the offense is Baker Mayfield. And the leader of the OLine is Ben Bredeson IMO.
March 28th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
They may have some pieces in place get some DAM coaching!
March 28th, 2026 at 7:39 pm
Joe … ‘Brooks said it’ll be key for the Bucs to trust their new additions and their core players to figure it out the inevitable culture change.’
I hope that Todd Bowles takes DB55’s advice to heart. Bucs have 5 solid additions to our defense who did excellent last season for their teams: Robinson, Anzalone, Rozeboom, Muhammad & Killebrew. All 5 are obviously older vets, but they all made substantial contributions last year.
o DT Robinson (6’3″ & 320 lbs): 17 games – 657 def snaps – 2.5 sacks – 12 pressures – 65 tackles (21 solo)(3% Missed)
o ILB Anzalone (6’3″ & 234 lbs): 16 games – 1004 def snaps – 2.5 sacks – 11 pressures – 95 tackles (52 solo)(5% Missed)
o ILB Rozeboom (6’2″ & 230 lbs): 15 games – 823 def snaps – 2 sacks – 2 pressures – 122 tackles (59 solo)(12% Missed)
o OLB Muhammad (6’3″ & 250 lbs): 17 games – 457 def snaps – 11 sacks – 26 pressures – 25 tackles (15 solo)(0% Missed)
o SS Killebrew (6’2″ & 222 lbs): 5 games – 0 def snaps – 0 sacks – 0 pressures – 5 tackles (3 solo) – Special Teams Ace
By signing those first 4 players, Bucs added 18 sacks, 51 pressures & 307 tackles, and only missed 3 games among the 4 of them. THAT’S good news in my book.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Culture change? I thought we had been permanently organizationally enlightened by Tom Brady.
If only it were true.
Bowles resented and was threatened by his greatness and made him want to go play for the Dolphins.
His only losing season.
Pathetic.
March 28th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
I’m so sorry and sad for my beloved Buc fans and players. How many games did we win with Evans and or Dean out the last couple of years though? Maybe zero…and loosing the great Gene Deckerhoff to retirement on top of that. I’m a Buc fan through and through hoping for the best! Preparing for the worst 😔 In Papa Hets words…Sad But True. Sorry, no playoffs again
March 29th, 2026 at 12:30 am
DR
Derrick has to realize that today’s players aren’t nearly the leaders in general that the players on his teams were. Not even close, at least not in this team.
Bowles throwing everyone under the bus except himself and his scheme says a lot about his (lack of) leadership ability as well.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:52 am
We do that’s why it so important to move up with our first 2 picks to nail our Edge and ILB picks. Bcuz this Defense goes nowhere without improving these 2 positions thru the draft.
Ain’t got no business drafting anything else unless we do thus
March 29th, 2026 at 12:59 am
2 stud players in the front 7 away from being a Playoff team.
Plz tell me JL is not going to sit on his hands and not make trades in this draft.
I mean our FA was soft, surely we are going to show the league we not f@@@@@ next month.
That’s gotta be the plan lol. No ripples in FA so make em in the draft. Move around burn a pick or 2, cut the complacent how it falls to u. Trade back in Rd 1 then back into Rd 2.
Or go get Styles and maneuver up to get Mesidor late in Rd 1 and we will go to the SB
March 29th, 2026 at 1:06 am
I mean Edge, ILB, CB, Oline depth away.
Please tell me JL wont ness this up anymore.
Can see it now, TE rd 1 DT rd 2 … no trades just nonchalant crickets.
Then JL will say “Well we wanted Styles but he wasn’t worth a first next yr and 1 more pick next year to go get him, even tho he will follow LVD to the HOF.
And we just were picking oo high to take Hill Jr there so we hoped to get Rodriquez in Rd 3 but he came off the board to the Cowboys afew picks before we were on the clock.
But our Offense is set and just pray for our Defense
March 29th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Joe; who is this Kancey u speak of?
March 29th, 2026 at 8:41 am
We absolutely cannot count on Kancey to stay healthy enough to be the leader of that defense. When he’s on the field he can be a game-changer, but that isn’t occurring. He spends more time on the sideline being a hype man than actually being in the action being a leader. He’s been trending into the bust category because of this…you’re best ability is your availability!
March 29th, 2026 at 8:57 am
The Bucs have four or five outstanding retired players available to consult/coach. These guys have proven they can produce on the field and have street cred. The front seven need every bit of help they can get.
Bring in Suh to consult on DL and bring in a nasty attitude. Sapp too?
Rice to help the edge rushers with attitude, moves, and intensity.
Brooks and LVD to work with the ILB’s. Anzalone might benefit from LVD’s knowlege of the defense since Anzalone will likely be the play caller on the field.
March 29th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Asking the hard question here…
Transition from what to what? We’ve already been in transition for the past four years. It’s time to openly acknowledge that the supposed competitive rebuild we’ve been trying to pull off is a failure because the team is getting worse (and it wasn’t good even when winning division championships in the worst division the NFL has ever seen over the past 12 or 13 years). We had one good year after the Lost Decade, then we stank again, even with Tom Brady at QB.
IT’S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE AT ONE BUC! And I don’t mean to stop at the coaching staff. Everybody’s got to go, starting at the top. As long as the Glazers prioritize comfortable mediocrity over uncomfortable culture change to an organization that holds everyone, even the GM, accountable for failures, this organization will continue to be at best mediocre. The Glazers have to go. Licht has to go. Bowles has to go.
March 29th, 2026 at 11:52 am
I think Brooks knows LD was a bit overrated.
I still miss Devon White tbh…
March 29th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
HC Grover Says:
March 28th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
Aright Aready Pre Season HYPapalooza
Don’t you have some more coloring books to keep you busy?