{"id":845714,"date":"2026-03-31T21:47:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T21:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/845714\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T21:47:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T21:47:15","slug":"why-the-buccaneers-should-sign-bobby-wagner-and-jadeveon-clowney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/845714\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Buccaneers Should Sign Bobby Wagner AND Jadeveon Clowney"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at a crossroads defensively. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that exposed depth issues, inconsistent pass rush production, and a lack of reliable leadership at key moments, Tampa Bay must look beyond the draft to solidify its defense. Two veteran free agents \u2014 Bobby Wagner<\/a> and Jadeveon Clowney<\/a> \u2014 present a clear, cost-effective path to immediate improvement.<\/p>\n

With both players still available late into the 2026 free agency cycle, the Buccaneers have a rare opportunity to add proven production, leadership, and short-term impact without long-term financial risk.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBobby Wagner Brings Leadership and Stability to the Middle<\/p>\n

Even at 35 years old, Bobby Wagner continues to perform at a high level. Coming off a 2025 season with the Washington Commanders where he averaged 9.5 tackles per game (sixth in the NFL), Wagner has proven he can still diagnose plays quickly and produce against the run.<\/p>\n

Why Wagner Fits Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

Elite Football IQ: Wagner remains one of the smartest linebackers in football. His ability to read blocking schemes and position himself correctly would immediately stabilize Tampa Bay\u2019s front seven.<\/p>\n

Immediate Leadership Upgrade: The Buccaneers have lacked consistent, player-led accountability. Wagner is a future Hall of Famer whose presence in the locker room would set a new standard for preparation and execution.<\/p>\n

Run Defense Anchor: Tampa Bay struggled at times to control the line of scrimmage in 2025. Wagner\u2019s downhill ability and tackling efficiency would help clean up issues between the tackles.<\/p>\n

Short-Term, Low-Risk Investment: At this stage of his career, Wagner is expected to command a modest one-year deal, making him a financially responsible addition with high upside.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/p>\n

Wagner isn\u2019t being signed to be a long-term solution \u2014 he\u2019s being signed to raise the floor of the defense immediately while mentoring younger linebackers and restoring discipline to the unit.<\/p>\n

Jadeveon Clowney Helps Solve the Pass Rush Problem<\/p>\n

If Wagner fixes the middle of the defense, Jadeveon Clowney addresses the edge \u2014 arguably Tampa Bay\u2019s biggest weakness.<\/p>\n

Clowney is coming off a productive 2025 season, recording 8.5 sacks and 32 pressures in just 13 games, proving he can still impact games as a rotational rusher.<\/p>\n

Why Clowney Fits Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

Proven Pressure Generator: The Buccaneers lacked consistent edge disruption last season. Clowney still wins with power, length, and timing, particularly late in downs.<\/p>\n

Scheme Versatility: Clowney can play as a stand-up edge or with his hand in the dirt, giving Todd Bowles flexibility in designing pressure packages.<\/p>\n

Rotational Value with Starter Impact: At this point in his career, Clowney thrives in a rotational role \u2014 exactly what Tampa Bay needs. He doesn\u2019t have to carry the pass rush, but he can elevate it.<\/p>\n

Affordable Veteran Production: Like Wagner, Clowney is expected to sign a short-term deal, making him a smart cap-conscious addition.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/p>\n

Clowney doesn\u2019t need to be a double-digit sack star to justify signing him. If he consistently creates pressure and wins key downs, he fills a glaring need Tampa Bay failed to address last season.<\/p>\n

Why the Timing Makes Sense<\/p>\n

Both Wagner and Clowney remain unsigned deep into free agency, a phase where teams often find high-value veterans at reduced costs.<\/p>\n

For the Buccaneers, this aligns perfectly with their roster-building approach:<\/p>\n

They can avoid overpaying early in free agency
\nThey can still address major needs before the draft
\nThey gain flexibility to draft best player available instead of reaching for need<\/p>\n

The Bigger Picture: Raising the Defense\u2019s Floor<\/p>\n

The Buccaneers don\u2019t necessarily need stars \u2014 they need reliability.<\/p>\n

Adding Wagner and Clowney would:<\/p>\n

Improve run defense consistency
\nIncrease pass rush productivity
\nInject veteran leadership into a young defense
\nReduce pressure on unproven players to carry major roles<\/p>\n

This is how competitive teams bridge the gap between rebuilding and contending \u2014 by supplementing the roster with proven veterans who still have something left.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinal Verdict<\/p>\n

Signing Bobby Wagner and Jadeveon Clowney wouldn\u2019t be flashy moves, but they would be smart ones.<\/p>\n

Both players offer:<\/p>\n

Proven production
\nVeteran leadership
\nScheme fit
\nLow-risk contracts<\/p>\n

For a Buccaneers team trying to rebound and reestablish its defensive identity, these are exactly the types of moves that can quietly change the trajectory of a season.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been on the signing Wagner and Clowney train for awhile. Obviously both players are long-time veterans, but that\u2019s the point. The Buccaneers are definitely heading in a \u201cyouth\u201d direction. But you still need those veteran voices in the locker room.<\/p>\n

Add to that, signing these two players allows the Bucs more wiggle room in the draft. There are several mock drafts circulating that have the Bucs taking an interior offensive lineman or tight end in the first-round. These signings would make those picks easier to swallow.<\/p>\n

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