Feb. 4, 2026, 4:02 p.m. ET
In Bradley Locker’s recent Pro Football Focus feature outlining one free agent each NFL team should pursue in 2026, the player connected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was linebacker Devin Lloyd.
That projection is telling.
Locker’s suggestion reflects a potential transition point at inside linebacker for Tampa Bay. With uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Lavonte David and the evolving structure of Todd Bowles’ defense, adding a high-impact second-level defender would represent both reinforcement and forward planning.
Lloyd has developed into a versatile linebacker capable of playing downhill against the run while also holding up in coverage. In Bowles’ defense, the role of the 2026 defensive signal caller is up in the air. Buccaneers Mike linebackers are not just tasked with making tackles; they are responsible for communicating adjustments, holding up in coverage, and contributing as pass rushers, all while assuring everyone is on the field and in their assigned position.
If Tampa Bay were to pursue Lloyd, it would signal an emphasis on maintaining strength in the middle of the defense to make an immediate run at the playoffs next season, rather than allowing the defense to reset through the NFL draft. It would also indicate that the organization is prioritizing proven production at a premium defensive position.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Free agency is rarely simple, and cost will ultimately dictate feasibility. But Locker’s projection highlights a realistic fit between the player’s skill set and the team’s needs as the Buccaneers navigate a pivotal 2026 offseason.