Buccaneers Bolster Roster with Free Agency Additions

Tampa Bay signs key players on offense and defense to build on 2025 success

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Buccaneers football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Buccaneers' offseason roster moves aim to maintain the team's competitive edge in the NFC South.Today in Pittsburgh

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been busy in the offseason, signing a number of free agents to bolster their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The team has added players at key positions on both offense and defense, including linebacker Alex Anzalone, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, and running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to build on their success from the 2025 season and make another playoff push. The free agent additions address several areas of need, including linebacker, pass rush, and running back depth, as the team aims to remain competitive in the NFC South.

The details

Some of the Buccaneers' key free agent signings include linebacker Alex Anzalone, who had 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception for the Detroit Lions in 2025, and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had 11 sacks for the Lions. On offense, the team added running back Kenneth Gainwell, who was the Pittsburgh Steelers' team MVP in 2026 after rushing for 1,000 yards and catching 73 passes. The Buccaneers also signed quarterback Jake Browning as a backup to starter Baker Mayfield.

  • The free agency period began on March 11, 2026.
  • The Buccaneers made several key signings in the first week of free agency, including Anzalone, Muhammad, and Gainwell.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A linebacker who signed a two-year contract with the Buccaneers. He had 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception for the Detroit Lions in 2025.

Al-Quadin Muhammad

An edge rusher who signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers. He had 11 sacks for the Detroit Lions in 2025.

Kenneth Gainwell

A running back who signed a two-year contract with the Buccaneers. He was the Pittsburgh Steelers' team MVP in 2026 after rushing for 1,000 yards and catching 73 passes.

Jake Browning

A quarterback who signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers. He has 10 career regular-season starts and had a strong stretch in 2023 as a seven-game replacement for the injured Joe Burrow.

Lavonte David

A linebacker who announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the Buccaneers. He is one of the greatest players in franchise history, finishing with 1,714 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, and 21 fumble recoveries.

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What they’re saying

“My first draft pick as general manager in 2014 was a 20-year-old Mike Evans. From the moment he walked in the door, Mike made an immediate and lasting impact on our franchise. Over the years, we watched him grow, thrive and develop into a franchise icon whose legacy will carry on well past his playing days. He has always meant a great deal to me professionally and personally, so it's difficult to see him go elsewhere. I wish Mike, Ashli and their family the best as they move on.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Once again, you know how I feel and we feel and the entire organization [feels] about Lavonte David. He is the staple of what we look for in a player and a person and he has also earned the right to take a step back and decide what his future is and we are giving him that respect right now.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers' free agency additions address key needs on both sides of the ball, positioning the team to build on its 2025 success and remain a contender in the NFC South. The departure of franchise icon Mike Evans is a significant loss, but the team has worked to reload with talented players who can help the team continue its winning ways.