Buccaneers Face Buyer Beware in Free Agency

Tampa Bay must exercise caution when pursuing top free agent talent this offseason.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a challenging free agency period in 2026 as they look to bolster their roster. General Manager Jason Licht must exercise due diligence when evaluating potential free agent signings, especially former first-round picks, to avoid mistakes. The team needs to find the right fit at linebacker on both the outside and inside, prioritizing selfless, high-motor players who can provide leadership. Simply finding talented players is not enough - the Buccaneers must identify free agents whose best football is still ahead of them, not behind.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers' recent struggles with free agent acquisitions, such as the brief and turbulent tenure of Haason Reddick, have shown the importance of finding the right fit both on and off the field. With key needs at linebacker, the team cannot afford to make missteps in free agency that could set them back in their quest to return to the playoffs.

The details

The Buccaneers have several holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at linebacker. They need to find at least one outside linebacker and one inside linebacker who can provide leadership, high-motor play, and a selfless attitude. Simply finding talented players is not enough, as the team must also evaluate character and fit within the locker room. Past issues with free agent signings, like the case of Haason Reddick, have shown the importance of due diligence when pursuing top talent on the open market.

  • The Buccaneers will enter the 2026 free agency period in February.

The players

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, responsible for overseeing the team's roster decisions and free agent acquisitions.

Haason Reddick

A former first-round pick who had a brief and turbulent tenure with the Buccaneers, highlighting the importance of finding the right fit in free agency.

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The takeaway

The Buccaneers must approach free agency with caution, prioritizing not just talent but also character and fit within the team's culture. Missteps in free agent signings can set the team back, so thorough evaluation of potential acquisitions is crucial as Tampa Bay looks to return to the playoffs.