Former Gators LB Inks Deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Alex Anzalone signs two-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Former Florida Gators linebacker Alex Anzalone has signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Anzalone, who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, spent the last few seasons with the Detroit Lions before joining the Bucs.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing season, and Anzalone, when healthy, can be an effective member of their unit. For Gators fans in the Tampa area, it will be exciting to have a former Florida player on the local NFL team's roster.

The details

Anzalone played for the Gators from 2013 to 2016, seeing action in 24 games during his four seasons in Gainesville. Despite missing significant time due to injuries, he boosted his NFL stock with a strong final season, making 55 tackles, three sacks, and recovering a fumble in eight games. The Buccaneers are hoping a healthy Anzalone can provide a boost to their defense with a reasonable cap hit.

  • Anzalone signed the two-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers on March 9, 2026.
  • He played for the Gators from 2013 to 2016.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A former linebacker for the Florida Gators who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and spent the last few seasons with the Detroit Lions before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

An NFL team based in Tampa, Florida that is looking to bolster their defense after a disappointing season.

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What they’re saying

“Former Lions LB Alex Anzalone is signing a two-year, $17 million deal with the Buccaneers.”

— Adam Schefter, NFL insider (Twitter)

What’s next

Anzalone will look to stay healthy and make an immediate impact on the Buccaneers' defense as they aim to bounce back from a tough season.

The takeaway

The signing of Alex Anzalone, a former Florida Gators standout, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents an opportunity for the linebacker to revive his NFL career in his home state and provide a boost to the Bucs' defensive unit.