Jan. 23, 2026, 2:50 p.m. ET
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.
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.
PlayerPosition2025 Team2025 RoleLavonte DavidLBBuccaneersDefensive signal callerKenneth MurrayLBCowboysStarting linebackerDevin BushLBSeahawksRotational linebackerJosey JewellLBPanthersStarting linebackerK.J. BrittLBBuccaneersDepth 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.
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