The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons in 2025. Unlike many others, the Buccaneers did not feel that a coaching change was necessary, at least not at the head coach. Now they are replacing parts of the roster to help them get back to the postseason, but the work is not done yet.
recently, athleticSaad Youssef had an idea that could help fix some of Tampa Bay's problems. He suggests that the Buccaneers sign future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner to a contract.
"The Bucs recently said goodbye to a franchise lifer, as linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement this week after playing his entire 15-year career in Tampa Bay. The Bucs signed Alex Anzalone in free agency, but they can still do more to strengthen the middle of their defense. Tampa Bay drafted David with the No. 58 pick in the second round in 2012. Eleven picks earlier, the Seattle Seahawks selected Wagner, who turned in what was likely a Hall of Fame career, isn't the player he was in his peak, but has shown he still has some juice in him.
Bobby Wagner/Buccaneers at The Athletic
Still unsigned in free agency after spending the last two seasons with the Commanders, Wagner is now 35 years old. Still, there's no doubt that the 14-year pro will add value to Tampa Bay's defense, as their old starting middle linebacker, Lavonte David, retired after a memorable 14-year career.
Wagner, a six-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, surprisingly still started all 17 games last season. He recorded an impressive 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections and two interceptions.
The Buccaneers may feel they have already found David's replacement after signing Alex Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract. Still, one could argue that the Buccaneers needed another middle linebacker even before David's retirement. In fact, the addition of Wagner will complement Anzalone and the rest of the Buccaneers' defense.
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