The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons in 2025. Unlike many others, the Buccaneers didn’t feel like a coaching change was necessary, at least not the head coach. Now they’re turning over parts of the roster to help get back to the postseason, but the work is far from done.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Saad Yousuf had an idea that could help fix some of Tampa Bay’s problems. His suggestion is for the Buccaneers to sign future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner to a contract.
“The Bucs recently said goodbye to a franchise lifer, as linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement this week after playing his entire 15-year career in Tampa Bay. The Bucs signed Alex Anzalone in free agency, but they can still do more to bolster the middle of their defense. Tampa Bay drafted David in the second round in 2012 with the No. 58 pick. Eleven picks before that, the Seattle Seahawks selected Wagner, who has turned in a likely Hall of Fame career. He’s not the player he was in his prime, but he’s shown to still have some juice.”
The Athletic on Bobby Wagner/Buccaneers
Still unsigned in free agency after spending the past two seasons with the Commanders, Wagner is now 35 years old. Yet, there’s no doubt that the 14-year pro would add value to Tampa Bay’s defense after their old starting middle linebacker, Lavonte David, retired after a memorable 14-year career.
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Wagner, a six-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, amazingly still started all 17 games last season. He recorded an impressive 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and two interceptions.
The Buccaneers may feel they’ve already replaced David after signing Alex Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract. Yet, one could argue that the Buccaneers already had a need for another middle linebacker, even before David’s retirement. In effect, Wagner’s addition would complement Anzalone and the rest of the Buccaneers’ defense.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March Edition
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