Buccaneers Re-Sign DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

The veteran defensive tackle returns to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:19am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football defensive line formation, with sharp planes of muted colors representing the physicality and power of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive unit.A cubist interpretation of the Buccaneers' revamped defensive line, with new additions bringing a renewed sense of size and physicality.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches to a one-year contract, a source confirmed on Friday. Nunez-Roches, 32, spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants but only saw action in nine games last season due to injuries. Prior to that, he was a member of the Bucs from 2018-2022, helping the team win Super Bowl LV in 2020.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to bolster their defensive line with more size and physicality, and the re-signing of Nunez-Roches is part of that effort. His experience and familiarity with the team's system make him a valuable addition as Tampa Bay aims to return to the playoffs.

The details

Nunez-Roches, a sixth-round draft pick out of Southern Miss, has played in 142 regular season games with 62 starts and eight playoff appearances over his eight-year career. With the Buccaneers from 2018-2022, he played in 68 regular season games with 22 starts, including the team's Super Bowl LV victory in 2020. Last season with the Giants, he had a career-high 3.0 sacks, 23 combined tackles, and a pass deflection despite missing time due to ankle and toe injuries.

  • Nunez-Roches spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants.
  • He re-signed with the Buccaneers on a one-year deal on April 4, 2026.

The players

Rakeem Nunez-Roches

A 32-year-old defensive tackle who has spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the team win Super Bowl LV in 2020.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has emphasized the need to improve the team's defensive line with more size and physicality.

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What they’re saying

“They had edge. I don't know if we were sturdy enough upfront defensively from a size standpoint. We've had, like you said, we've had [William] Gholston and we've had [Nunez-Roches] and we've had [Ndamukong] Suh... So we haven't had the sturdiness, so to speak. And with A'Shawn coming in, I think he brings some of that and Al brings that type of attitude too. So we're trying to get back to having a stout defensive front that can help everybody else.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to integrate Nunez-Roches back into their defensive line rotation as they aim to build a more physical and sturdy unit upfront.

The takeaway

The re-signing of Rakeem Nunez-Roches is a key move for the Buccaneers as they seek to bolster their defensive line with more size and physicality. His experience and familiarity with the team's system make him a valuable asset as Tampa Bay looks to return to the playoffs and contend for another Super Bowl title.