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Atlanta Falcons linebacker DeAngelo Malone.
Even on a micro level, losing free agents to an NFC South Division rival is going to sting a little for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and may be more indicative of a bigger issue.
Something along the lines of maybe even mid-level free agents don’t want to come to the Buccaneers, who appear to be a sinking ship headed into 2026.
The latest to turn their back on the Buccaneers is free agent linebacker and special teams standout DeAngelo Malone, who chose to return to the Atlanta Falcons instead of signing with the Buccaneers after being hosted on a visit recently.
“Free agent linebacker DeAngelo Malone is returning to the Falcons on a one-year deal, per source,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on his official X account on Wednesday.
“Malone had visited the Bucs last week,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account.
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
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