Edge Rushers
Khalil Mack, Chargers
The Bucs have confirmed their interest in Mack, who is 34 but just one year removed from 17 sacks in 2023.
Mack, with nine Pro Bowl appearances, four first-team All-Pro selections and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award with the Raiders in 2016, could be a walking future first ballot Hall of Famer.
He produced only six sacks last season but earned a $19.2 million salary.
Joey Bosa, Chargers
Bosa was released by the Chargers Wednesday for salary-cap reasons. He was averaging $20.18 million per year.
But Bosa has missed 23 games since the start of the 2022 season. While he did manage to play 14 games in 2024, he had only five sacks. For perspective, Bucs free agent-to-be Anthony Nelson has averaged around 4.4 over the past five seasons while playing part time and averaging $5 million each of the last two years. The last time Bosa reached double-digit sacks was when he had 10½ in 2021.
The Lions, Bears and virtually every NFC South team would seem to be a fit for Bosa. But there is a belief that the 29-year-old wants to be reunited with his brother, Nick, in San Francisco. Plus, the Bucs may be too wary of his injury history to make a real bid for him.
Josh Sweat, Eagles
[ STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH | AP ]
Sweat was a key member of the Super Bowl 59 champions, leading the Eagles with eight sacks this past season. He had 2½ more and three quarterback hits in the title game against the Chiefs.
Sweat will turn 28 later this month. Spotrac projects the fair market value of his next contract at three years, $56.466 million.
He’s likely to have a pretty fertile market despite reaching double-digit sack numbers only once in seven seasons, with 11 in 2022. But he still has some upside and is in the prime of his career.
Azeez Ojulari, Giants
Ojulari, only 24, is an interesting prospect, much like Barrett was after four seasons in Denver. Ojulari set a Giants rookie record with eight sacks in 2021 but had only eight over the next two seasons while being limited to 18 games due to injury.
While playing as a backup, Ojulari had five sacks and 14 tackles over a three-game span last season. He finished the year back on injured reserve with a ruptured ligament in his toe. Here’s the biggest plus: He’s a year younger than Yaya Diaby.
Others available:
K’Lavon Chaisson, Raiders; Michael Hoecht, Rams; Haason Reddick, Eagles; Malcolm Koonce, Raiders; Matt Judon, Falcons; DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys; Chase Young, Saints; Charles Omenihu, Chiefs; Marcus Davenport, Lions; Dante Fowler, Commanders.
Inside Linebackers
[ RICK SCUTERI | Associated Press, 2023 ]
Dre Greenlaw, 49ers
The Bucs still are waiting to see whether Lavonte David wants to return for a 14th season. He’s 35 but has earned the right to decide. Whether he does or not, the Bucs need to address the position.
Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles in Super Bowl 58 following the 2023 season and was shut down after only 34 snaps last season. If healthy, he would be an ideal addition for the Bucs, with his combination of coverage and tackling skills.
Greenlaw is only 27 and had 120 or more tackles in a season twice. He’d be the perfect complement to SirVocea Dennis and could help immediately on passing downs.
Ernest Jones, Seahawks
Jones, 25, underwent minor knee surgery after the season. With 138 tackles, including 77 solo stops, he was very productive in 16 games between the Titans and Seahawks. He is more of a run-stopper than a coverage man, but he can do both. A solid player when healthy, and not a pricey option.
Nick Bolton, Chiefs
Defensive Backs
[ RICK SCUTERI | AP ]
Charvarius Ward, 49ers
The Bucs could look to move on from cornerback Jamel Dean, who is in the final year of his contract. Like Carlton Davis, Dean is often injured and has just one interception over the past two seasons.
Ward could be the perfect addition. With five interceptions in 2023, he is the ball hawk that head coach Todd Bowles is looking for.
Last season was marked by personal tragedy, when Ward’s 1-year old daughter died after battling heart problems.
Nate Hobbs, Raiders
Hobbs fits the profile of a Bowles defensive back. He’s tall (6-1), has long arms and fits the ball hawk requirement. He can play outside at cornerback or in the slot and could be used not dissimilar to the way Sean Murphy-Bunting was deployed. Hobbs is versatile and productive.
• • •
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Buccaneers have a range of options to consider in free agency to strengthen their defense, from established veterans to emerging talents. It will be interesting to see how the team navigates the offseason to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
FAQs
Q: Which edge rushers are the Bucs targeting in free agency?
A: Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Josh Sweat are among the edge rushers the Bucs have shown interest in.
Q: Who are some of the inside linebackers on the Bucs’ radar?
A: Dre Greenlaw, Ernest Jones, and Nick Bolton are potential targets for the Bucs at inside linebacker.
Q: Which defensive backs could the Bucs consider adding to their roster?
A: Charvarius Ward and Nate Hobbs are names to watch for in the Buccaneers’ search for defensive back reinforcements.
