Bucs Prepare for LB Competition as Lavonte David Retires

Head Coach Todd Bowles discusses new starters, veteran acquisitions, and leadership development on defense

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:32am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a fragmented Buccaneers defensive formation, with sharp, overlapping planes of pewter, red, and orange colors representing the dynamic changes on the team's defense.The Buccaneers' defense faces a new era of leadership and competition as the team transitions its linebacking corps.Philadelphia Today

At the 2026 Annual League Meeting, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles addressed several key topics, including the team's plans to replace retiring linebacker Lavonte David, their approach to drafting older prospects, the running back duo of Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, and the leadership growth of defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers face a critical transition on defense with the retirement of longtime linebacker Lavonte David. Bowles' comments provide insight into how the team plans to address this void, including the roles of new acquisitions and young players competing for starting jobs. The team's willingness to embrace older prospects in the draft also signals an evolving philosophy in the NFL.

The details

With Lavonte David's retirement, the Buccaneers will turn to veteran Alex Anzalone to take over the weakside "Mo" linebacker role. Meanwhile, Christian Rozeboom and SirVocea Dennis will compete for the middle "Mike" linebacker spot in Todd Bowles' defense. Bowles emphasized that age will not be a deterrent in the draft, noting that experienced players can still be productive if they take care of their bodies. In the backfield, Bucky Irving will be the lead running back, with Kenneth Gainwell serving as a complementary "1B" option. Finally, Calijah Kancey, who missed most of last season due to injury, has emerged as a vocal leader on the defensive line despite his youth.

  • Kancey was placed on injured reserve on September 17 last season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2.
  • Kancey missed most of the 2025 season, playing only 97 total snaps.

The players

Todd Bowles

Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Alex Anzalone

Veteran linebacker who will take over the weakside "Mo" linebacker role for the Buccaneers.

Christian Rozeboom

Linebacker who will compete for the middle "Mike" linebacker spot in the Buccaneers' defense.

SirVocea Dennis

Fourth-year linebacker who will also compete for the middle "Mike" linebacker role.

Bucky Irving

Running back who will be the lead back in the Buccaneers' backfield.

Kenneth Gainwell

Running back signed by the Buccaneers to complement Bucky Irving in the backfield.

Calijah Kancey

Defensive tackle who missed most of the 2025 season due to injury but has emerged as a vocal leader on the defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Alex is in position to be the Mo right now and we will see. Rozeboom can play the Mike, Voss can play the Mike but all three have to learn both spots anyways. Right now, I see Alex as my Mo.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

“When I was 24 and 25, I did not feel old at all. I was doing back flips over fences and jumping off buildings. I understand what you are saying in football terms but to me it is not old, it is experience. Whether you are 20, 21, 22 or 25, if you are a good football player, then you are a good football player.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

“Bucky is No.1 and Kenneth is 1B. I think it will be a great one-two punch. Bucky will be the starter for sure.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

“Just the way he practices and the way he works and the way he cares about the game, he does not care that he is one of the younger guys, he will say something that needs to be said and when he came back towards the end of the year, he kind of carried us through that last week of practice into the Carolina game and you could see the leadership qualities growing.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

What’s next

The Buccaneers will closely monitor the competition at linebacker during the offseason program and training camp to determine the starters alongside Alex Anzalone.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers are embracing an evolving approach to roster-building, focusing on experienced players and emerging leaders rather than strictly prioritizing youth. This shift could pay dividends as the team navigates the post-Lavonte David era on defense.