NFL.com Breaks Down Bucs Free Agent Signings
July 5th, 2026
Key to Bucs’ free agent class?
The Bucs lost a lot in free agency last year.
The Bucs lost their best corner, Jamel Dean, their Hall of Fame receiver, Mike Evans, and a Hall of Fame linebacker, Lavonte David.
As much as Joe likes David, Father Time caught up with him. As Toby Keith once sang, “I ain’t as good as I once was.”
But if we’re just talking free agents lost and free agents signed, Matt Okada of NFL.com thinks the Bucs may have broken even. Maybe they improved?
Evans wasn’t the only significant departure, though. They lost 14-year veteran LB Lavonte David to retirement, while Dean and RB Rachaad White departed in free agency. They made some decent front-seven signings — including former Lions LB Alex Anzalone and OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad — and added RB Kenny Gainwell.
Joe still wonders how a defense gets better when it loses its best corner. Just this century when the Bucs lost their best corner, at best the defense stayed about the same. At best.
But yeah, Alex Anzalone was a solid pickup. He’s still solid if not strong. The pass defense by linebackers last year was atrocious and Anzalone was really good in pass coverage.
The key is edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad. If ALQ can do for the Bucs like he did for the Lions last season, that would make a world of difference for the Bucs’ pass defense.
But he has to be turned loose first.
July 5th, 2026 at 1:48 am
Think Joe is missing the forest for the bushes.
Unmentioned goes A’Shawn Robinson, for who knows what reason. That signing, together with Nacho, gives a significant boost to the D-line, to the front seven, and to the defense in general.
The free agent losses were for players and positions that the team could afford. If Logan Hall was only the answer to some demented question. Rachaad White had years to show his stuff in Tampa Bay; his departure is overshadowed by Gainwell’s arrival. Izien was nice for depth but hardly irreplaceable and the draft brought Scott to town. Nothing to see with any of these.
The losses of David and Evans are turning a page. Fans will remember the Lavonte of old and forget the old player last year. Anzalone tbh is an upgrade and ILB has been a crying need for several years. Evans will be missed for his talent and his production. However, the team has planned for his exit so he leaves a weakened but still adequate receiving group. And the Dean saga was inevitable early last season: No one cuts a man’s salary by 70% and then expects him to come back for more abuse. Right or wrong, the Bucs chose to move on from Dean early last year. The resulting hole was intentional. Let’s see how this all plays out.
At bottom, the new additions are focused on the front seven. Licht wants a more capable front seven and that’s where he loaded up. Most losses were in places the team has planned for. It looks like the offseason was a significant upgrade.
July 5th, 2026 at 2:27 am
We are definitely stuck in this never-ending doom loop. My initial feeling is the defense got better. But, then it’s more like, they MIGHT be better… A little better. Maybe. IF… AND… BUT… Hell, I don’t know!? Just NOT good ENOUGH… Now, THAT I DO KNOW.
July 5th, 2026 at 6:29 am
The defense will not improve until the defensive coordinator improves.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:12 am
Lou came here to say what I was thinking about LD. Lavonte is that man and the standard bearer. But 2020 Lavonte David played 6 years ago. As sad as it is to say the Bucs upgraded.
And yes, Dean was our best corner LAST SEASON. What was he all the years before? The first word that comes to mind is unavailable.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:17 am
This article should be called remembering the good times. David played one too many years. I understand out of respect you had to let him try, but it was a failure in his own words not mine. Evans best years are behind him. He only played 8 games last year and the year before he needed a miracle throw with no time left to get his 1000 yards. Don’t really understand the love for Dean! The eye test tells me he took more than his share of plays off during his career. when you are the best player on a last place pass defense I wouldn’t be bragging about it.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:19 am
I’m in the camp of “they improved.” Evans was basically non existent last year. And, he’ll be a year older this year. His numbers are replaceable. All world linebacker LVD, well, if we are being honest frankly looked washed last year. Father Time tapped him on the shoulder. If Bowles doesn’t get in the way, the kids should be fine.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:35 am
Joe, last year was a outlier for Dean. Did everyone forget all those years Dean spent more time in the tube than on the field. Dean will be back to his old self and will play less than 10 games in 2026.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:42 am
I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a Miles Garrett today.
An example how differently two teams do business:
The Bucs free agent signings of Robinson, Anzalone, Gainwell, Muhammad and Killebrew have a combined 2026 cap hit of 33 million. The Rams FA cap hit? 14 mil.
From most sources, Baker is seeking 50 million a year.
The Rams are paying MVP Stafford 48 mil this year, but they are only paying Miles Garrett 8.4 million. Next year it’s 15 mil before the big jump.
But here’s the thing: by the time Garrett will be making his justly due fortune, Stafford will be gone and they will have a QB on a rookie deal.
A gamble? Yes, but I’d rather have a good chance at one or two Super Bowls than keep plodding along by signing old timers to one or two year deals.
Where is last year’s “steal,” Hassan Reddick?
What do Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and other high priced QB’s have in common? They all get beat to hell because their respective teams can’t afford to pay a great OL!
If we put Baker in that bunch expect Licht to keep plodding along like he has been by signing has beens with hope they rekindle talents from years past.
I guess I just appreciate some risky creativity over the redundancy and safety of mediocrity.
July 5th, 2026 at 7:43 am
Nice analysis Lou!
July 5th, 2026 at 7:55 am
Hey, Drunk Bucs Fan …
What time do you begin hitting the sauce?
After what this team has put us through I can totally empathize with anyone who sees a cooler brimming with iced cold ones and imagines their name on each and every one of them. I think we’ve all been there at one time or another.
At least you admit it!
July 5th, 2026 at 8:03 am
JA it is a handle originated from my first post where I was watching the last Brady game against the Saints (the Monday Night FB comeback in 22) and having a few too many Blue Point Imperial Sunshines while watching.
Bottoms up!
July 5th, 2026 at 8:13 am
“Joe still wonders how a defense gets better when it loses its best corner.“
Because he’s just one piece of 11 and he wasn’t really even that good. He just was the best they had.
A better front 6 will make the back 5 look much better. Even if they are not. A QB in a bear hug can’t even get a pass near bored Zyon.
July 5th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Some cogent and reasoned analysis from Lou and JA! Nice job fellas.
July 5th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Now I’m going to get real: Is Evans really a loss?
Two years ago, it took until the last 3 seconds to get him his 1,000. Last year, typical hamstring weeks and then the broken collarbone. The loss of him hurt at the time, but did they immediately start losing?
Does anybody think he’s coming back and putting up 10 TDs and 1,200 yards? I do not.
July 5th, 2026 at 8:48 am
I see the Pom Pom squad is hitting the hopium hard today.
Any personnel changes made that move us in a positive direction will be thwarted by an incompetent HC\DC who is determined to lose his way, versus winning any other way.
Bowles is the Sultan of Suck. 4-13 here we come.
July 5th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Nailed it yet again Joe. That last sentence.
I really don’t know enough about defense, or in paticular CB play to say Dean was, or was not our best corner. The only problem I ever really had with him is the durabiliy and the fluff CBs we were forced to field in his absence. We still need one starting caliber corner I think. Not sure we will find one on the cuts list though. It could get ugly.
Go Bucs!
July 5th, 2026 at 8:54 am
Lou—
Very keen observations, but the Dean “melodrama” was a little more than him agreeing to a one sided offer by Licht. Dean hated it here! Either that or he was just pure dumb. I’ll go with the former.
From my perspective, Dean wanted out, and bad. His desire to get away from Bowles’ defense overrode most everything, including common sense. Dean was locked in through 2026, and the thought of playing another year in Tampa must have given him nightmares.
Licht saw this, so he agreed to give him his out for a 2025 pay reduction of an unheard of 75%. Dean took the deal.
But one cannot help but think the level of hate Dean must have had stirring inside him to agree to it. In essence, Dean paid the Bucs 8 million dollars just to get away from them.
The target of his ire remains vaulted. Was it Bowles, Licht or some un-guessable alternative?
Perhaps Joe can open his own vault of secrets, the safe where Mike Evans’ true intentions lay hidden, and reveal it to us.
My summation is based on a 2 + 2 observation. Any behind the scenes stuff you’d care to add, Joe?
July 5th, 2026 at 9:09 am
At the end of ’26, Dean will be 30, looking for a new contract. (Which WE weren’t going to provide) After the re-work, he’s 29 and looking for a new deal. Steelers gave him 3 years at $12 million per. Last year worked out for everyone
July 5th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Joe still wonders how a defense gets better when it loses its best corner.
The “best corner” gave up 2 long TD passes down the stretch in must win games @Carolina and @Miami. Plus he is injury prone.
Dean was a great piece in the Super Bowl year and the playoff runs but he’s past his prime and the Bucs were right to move on given how he played at end of last year.
July 5th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Beej——
“Last year worked out for everyone.”
A bit of a stretch, but I guess you could say that. Depends on how you define “worked out.”
Dean got his freedom, but at a heavy cost.
Licht saved the team 8 million.
And the Bucs lost their best corner and replaced him with Ben Morrison.
Licht/Bowles either loathed Dean, his agent or both.
Morrison did not look good last year. Was it because of injury, rookie mistakes or lack of talent?
Only time will tell if showing Dean the door “worked out for everyone.”
July 5th, 2026 at 9:58 am
I lean on the IMPROVED side. Lovanta will always be a BUCS legend ,(his name will be forever on the stadium wall) ME13 earned every true Bucs fan respect but he chose to walk away, his choice , so forget him. I think the team was preparing for his departure last season when they drafted Eboka #1 plus having a overall strong receiver room. The rest of the draft class both seasons has been a improvement. The FAs they brought in are a easy B+ class , as pointed out by Joe & several posters & Nacho coming back is big not only his talent but his leadership and in a good way his mouth. I really doubt we get 11 sacks out of AL but I’ll take 7 or 8 as long as the other guys do their parts. The big D lineman Robinson will help big time cause Vita won’t play all 17 games, his game is just to physical so he is prone to be hurt & that’s no knock on him , He’s a BEAST !! Our Offense should be a top 10 unit if we stay healthy & that’s why the S&C staff was replaced. We also hired probably the best ST s coach in the NFL which will be a treat , plus the defense won’t have to start at the 50 , that’s a gain in yardage right there. All in all It won’t surprise me to see the BUCS win 11 games ,the south & play in the championship game if they stay healthy and our HC/DC Todd Bowles doesn’t torpedo the Pirates with his guru old school defensive thinking ( SHOULD HAVE HIRED A DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR IMHO)
July 5th, 2026 at 10:02 am
Yeah, we need another dude for sure
July 5th, 2026 at 10:34 am
I thought Lou was Defense Rules at first with that spot on even keeled analysis. The one loss I believe should be the nail in the coffin for Bowles as our ineffective HC/DC is if Dameco Ryan can turn Logan Hall into a good force on his defensive line. I have always said Bowles does not develop any talent, because his coaching choices do not come from a record of excellence or solid performance but of other criteria.
Dean was no loss because he auditioned for his next team plus he’s the softest player we’ve ever had and the only football player I have ever seen with fear in his eyes when covering as well as pulling a Scam Newton by backing out of a play as to not make a tackle. Sabby Piscatelli had more heart than Dean.
To me Bowles is even more the determining factor on what impact these additions have on this defense as well as their abilities. If they all can overcome his archaic and useless scheme and become at least a high middling defense that doesn’t give up 3rd&28s then by Mayfield returning to his 2024 form and staying healthy has a chance of scoring more than the defense surrenders.
July 5th, 2026 at 10:45 am
🤣🤣😂LynchMob50 you my friend are a funny sarcastic dude. As a football coach Bowles is the King/Sultan of suck there is no lying pom pom squad stop denying!
July 5th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Logan Hall…the other half of The Hair Bear Bunch duo opposite Joe Barely Tryon (retired) may look better in Houston as he’s now part of a Top 3 Defensive Front.
Having said that, another Blue Licht 2nd round special down the road/drain.
Bain opens up many possibilities…including a much needed attitude adjustment for the entire defense.
July 5th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
David99 you just caused me to start twitching when you mentioned Abby Piss Stella. 😵💫
July 5th, 2026 at 1:26 pm
3.28.Evans he probably twitches at the mention stiff arms like the one from that Steeler tightend that pretty much ended his career🤣🤣🤣
Joe Strapon Grabyerankles is retired? What a loss to the NFL! What will it do???
July 5th, 2026 at 1:47 pm
I believe you fellas are crossing swords/ mistaking Chris Conte for Sabby The Goat P. and/or vice versa.
Easy mistake…look an awful lot alike.
July 5th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
I’m not to worried about the CB. I’m more worried about Trotter. I seen a lot if people compare him the Devin White. They said Trotter coming about reminds them of Devin White ( good Run defender and needs to get better at defending the pass). If Trotter can play like White did the year we win the SB then I think out Defense improves a lot. Teams ain’t gonna be able to run on us but will our LBS be able to cover the RB’s, TE’s and slot WR’s??? If they can’t then thr middle of the field will be the weakness again.
July 5th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
Wow did spellcheck ever annihilate Sabby Pisscatelli! I think it fits better. Right on David99.
July 5th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Conte and Piscatelli.
At least Conte was smart and contributed to some success in 2016 (interception in the end zone against the Chiefs comes to mind). But not really a football player when tackling was involved.
Sabby was just a spazz with the football UQ of a gnute.