Linebacker remains one of the most important long-term questions for the Buccaneers heading into 2026. Tampa Bay’s defense relies heavily on communication and discipline at the second level, and free agency may offer a way to reinforce those traits in the case that Tampa Bay can’t find a future signal caller in the 2026 NFL Draft.
First off, Lavonte David’s future will be central to the discussion of how the Bucs solidify their future plans at green dot linebacker. Whether the Buccaneers pursue a short-term extension or begin planning for life after him, the position demands experience and reliability over raw athleticism. I would suspect that if David came back, it would then involve a young player to come in as well to split time and to take over in coverage snaps because David is getting older and wasn’t exactly the best coverage linebacker in the NFL in 2025.
Advertisement
Kenneth Murray and Josey Jewell represent potential external options who have logged starter snaps and understand the mental demands of the position. While neither profiles as a star addition, both would offer structural stability and reduce coverage breakdowns that have plagued the unit in recent seasons. Two names to watch as “bandaid” players to help navigate the linebacker position for Tampa while they figure out the future.
Player
Position
2025 Team
2025 Role
Lavonte David
LB
Buccaneers
Defensive signal caller
Kenneth Murray
LB
Cowboys
Starting linebacker
Devin Bush
LB
Seahawks
Rotational linebacker
Josey Jewell
LB
Panthers
Starting linebacker
K.J. Britt
LB
Buccaneers
Depth linebacker
Depth players such as Devin Bush or K.J. Britt would be lower-cost additions who could compete for rotational roles. Tampa Bay’s approach to linebacker is likely to prioritize fit, availability, and communication over splash signings.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Linebackers for the Bucs to target in the 2026 offseason