With Lavonte David Signed, Now What?
March 8th, 2025
No.
The Bucs are still thin at linebacker.
Oh, trust that Joe was fully geeked last night when news moved that Lavonte David was brought back from the brink of retirement. Joe poured some Bulleit Bourbon for the occasion (Joe hasn’t yet replenished his supply of Eagle Rare, unfortunately).
Still, like last year, the Bucs are dangerously thin at inside linebacker.
Now Joe clearly recalls Todd Bowles raving about SirVocea Dennis for the 2025 season. There is a lot to like about Dennis — when he gets on the field.
Dennis, 25, has proven in his two Bucs seasons that he can make splash plays and get hurt. Dennis is quick and smart and Joe has a lot of hope for him.
But it doesn’t matter if you are Lawrence Taylor II if you cannot stay out of the tub. So if the Bucs are banking on Dennis, well, that’s a gamble to be polite.
Joe would lean to draft Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. That way the Bucs get a stud and get younger at a critical position. Campbell is 21.
Over at the PFF tribe, Bradley Locker is of the mind the Bucs need to bring in an experienced linebacker. So he thinks Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht should buy 49ers free agent linebacker/damaged goods Dre Greenlaw.
… Although he missed virtually all of 2024 due to a torn Achilles, Greenlaw was a stud in the two years prior. The Buccaneers could use coverage help at linebacker.
Greenlaw’s market will be interesting because of his injury history, but he’ll have a real shot of playing at a premier level if he stays healthy. Todd Bowles would love his services over the middle.
Well, Greenlaw will turn 28 soon. And he’s coming off an Achilles.
Joe has three words about that: No freaking way.
Joe doesn’t want any older player who needs to rely on speed coming off an Achilles. Greenlaw may not even be 100 percent until 2026.
If he’s ever at 100 percent again.
An Achilles ruined O.J. Howard’s career. It basically ended Shaq Barrett’s career. The only way Joe would sign Greenlaw is if it’s a dirt-cheap, prove-it contract.
Joe would draft this Campbell in a heartbeat before signing Greenlaw.
Yes, the Bucs need another inside linebacker. But with David back, they don’t need one so badly they should invest in damaged goods.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:12 am
What’s the consensus on JJ Russell? When Todd finally let on on the field he seemed effective in both run and pass defense
March 8th, 2025 at 9:27 am
I think Greenlaw signs a 1 year deal somewhere. It could be here.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:31 am
‘Joe clearly recalls Todd Bowles raving about SirVocea Dennis for the 2025 season. There is a lot to like about Dennis — when he gets on the field.’
Dennis has got a LOT to prove in my book, and availability is the biggest one. I don’t want him starting. I want to see us draft a quality starter-capable beast to play in the middle (like Jihaad Campbell). Besides, Dennis isn’t as good as some see to think he is. In 2 years he’s been targeted 14 times & allowed 14 completions (82.4%). Everyone picked on Devin White for his coverage ‘limitations’, yet his career completion percentage allowed is only 77.4%. Considerably better than Dennis.
I’d much rather see us draft a MLB high (Jihaad Campbell preferred) AND add a veteran ILB to our stable who doesn’t have injury concerns. No to Greenlaw but there are a number of others out there (UFAs) worth a sniff.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:32 am
Oops, make that ‘targeted 17 times’ (not 14).
March 8th, 2025 at 9:42 am
Sign Mack to secure and improve edge . Draft Campbell and take a long look at moving Marcus Banks up from practice squad at Safety, he is a thumper.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:45 am
In a dream world scenario that would be great if greenlaw would come in on a prove it contract (league min. With incentive bonuses)to where it would be a no risk bringing him in for one year and no matter who or if we bring in from free agency Campbell would be a great draft pick and we have a chance at a number of other good potential studs for inside/outside linebacker during 2025 draft
March 8th, 2025 at 9:45 am
Sign Greenlaw to a cheap incentive laden contract.
At 19, draft Jihaad Campbell, Jahdae Barron, or an edge.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:57 am
Actually I like the sound of picking up Nick Bolton from the Chiefs good fast player can Rush the quarterback and play in coverage and is only 24 years old. Being still young in his career will get that rookie contract type money and it’s still young enough age can be molded into Todd bowles defense and grow with the rest of the young guys along with the new draft picks that will be coming in this year
March 8th, 2025 at 9:59 am
Achilles injury is not a death-nell, they heal sometimes better than before {happened to me} although I wasn’t playing professionaly but the point is that it can take at least a year for it to full recover just letting it heal. I think Greenlaw is signed to a prove it deal but teams also run enough tests to see if there are lingering issues.
March 8th, 2025 at 10:28 am
Everybody seems to love this Campbell kid. He sounds good. Will he make it to 19?
March 8th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Campbell has decidedly “Buccaneer” traits. Provided he stays healthy and doesn’t keep ponies, could be the next in our succession of LB excellence.
March 8th, 2025 at 10:53 am
Campbell makes it 19 unless Atlanta or Indianapolis go after him-they both need help. It would not shock me to see Bucs draft Luther Burden if Campbell is unavailable so they can start planning for life after Mike and Chris , if they even resign Godwin.
March 8th, 2025 at 10:56 am
Greenlaw was the heart of the 49rs’ defense. I doubt they let him go. If he’s on a prove it contract- -hell yes! He is a real stud.
March 8th, 2025 at 11:11 am
Now what?
Sign Landry, draft Emmanwori and Revel to boost that secondary.
And guess who just might be there in the 3rd, LB Carson Shwesinger…may have to trade up a little though from 84.
Edge, a Derwin James type Safety (but faster), a CB that would probably be top 15 if he hadnt got injured at the start of last season (but hes young, he will heal)
LB who can play middle and inside in Shwesinger (who is a dog, just watch vids on him) and LD54 can help bring him along.
I love doing this stuff 🙂
March 8th, 2025 at 11:19 am
he’ll have a real shot of playing at a premier level if he stays healthy.
I’d have a real shot of practicing law at a premier level if only I could pass the bar exam!
March 8th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Need to draft one the Bucs need to get younger David is not an every down player any more.
March 8th, 2025 at 11:27 am
I don’t want to see JJ Russell start or KJ Britt.
I thought Deion Jones played really well against the Redskins.
Deion Jones was a pro bowler. He’s very experienced.
Lavonte may want to play with an experienced running mate instead of another rookie.
I am hoping Deion Jones stays and has a breakout year.
March 8th, 2025 at 11:29 am
yeah, try to draft campbell…
scoop up the linebacker free agent who played in arizona last year…kyzir white…
and you have lavonte and dennis…
plus others to round things out…like a jj russell, deion jones, etc
March 8th, 2025 at 11:51 am
I guess signing an edge rusher is dead now I have heard 6 or 7 teams linked to Landry none are the Bucs.
March 8th, 2025 at 11:54 am
I dont think it would be bad to try and sign depth at the position, esp if it’s a 1 year prove it deal. I still would like to see a legit draft pick as well. So you have 4 quality players, 2 vets, 2 youth fighting for spots. David wont be playing much longer so regardless it would be wise to add depth, just like philly did, and let the cream rise to the top.
March 8th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
there is talk in Pgh that T.J.Watt may soon be on the block due to the tectonic shift going on with edge rushers. If somehow TJ were to become available that would be the guy to pull out all the stops to get. TJ wants to win a championship really bad and it is becoming increasingly clear that the Steelers are no longer the team they once were. TJ is becoming increasingly frustrated. He is not the kind to bail on his team like Garret and others but his team is fully capable of bailing on him. Joining the Bucs could relight his competitive fire.
March 8th, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Now what? Find us a game changing premium Pass rusher. Thats what. And I’m not talking about a Mack either. We are not that far away. But we gotta get a DEFENSE. Stevie Wonder see it.
March 8th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
I’d take a look at signing Harold Landry, we need more than one Edge. Draft Campbell and get the best Edge/CB in rounds 2 and 3. And agree we should be able to get something for Dean, even if it’s only a RD4 pick.
March 8th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
I guess our brass don’t want to spend $$$$$ on a proven edge rusher guess we will have to roll the dice in the draft again. Hope we don’t come up with snake eyes again Tyron and Hall.
March 8th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
Allbuccedup Says:
March 8th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
I guess our brass don’t want to spend $$$$$ on a proven edge rusher guess we will have to roll the dice in the draft again. Hope we don’t come up with snake eyes again Tyron and Hall.
^^^^^^^^^
Isn’t it a little early to guess that the Bucs won’t spend on an Edge, considering free agency hasn’t even started yet?
March 8th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
If Greenlaw’s market is for a top shelf starter, despite the Achilles, then we bow out. If, on the other hand, his market is damaged goods, show-me-you’re-ready, I’m in…
March 8th, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Campbell just turned 21. He’s a beast now at 21, and hasn’t hit an NFL weight room yet. Bucs like young 1st round picks. Evans was the same way.
March 8th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
Teacherman – I was wondering myself if Deion Jones can help this team. He played pretty well his first 2-3 years in the league – not sure what happened to his level of play after that though….
March 8th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
I don’t think Campbell will be there at 19
March 8th, 2025 at 2:53 pm
With David, Dennis, JJ Russel and Deion Jones signed all the Bucs ought to do is take an ILB with coverage skills in the third or fourth round and save the FA loot to sign a pass rusher. ILB is not a position worthy of a first round pick. Dennis looks to be a solid starter in the middle but is no incumbent replacement for David. He is a bit of a liability in coverage and can’t stay on the field so I hope to see him platooning with Deion Jones and his 13 career INTs(5 for TDs) alongside David. If Demetrius Knight’s age drops him to the Bucs at pick 84 I’d take him. He’s even worth a little trade-up from there but will likely have been picked earlier which is nothing to stress because either Jeffrey Bassa, Danny Stutsman or Jay Higgins should be available for the Bucs to pick in the fourth round to fill out the position group. Barrett Carter or Smael Mondon are versatile LBs who should be available in the same range of picks. I’d be excited to see any one or two of these fellas added to the roster.
March 8th, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Fourth round. Give Dennis a chance.
March 8th, 2025 at 3:24 pm
Now what?
Sign Godwin, Brederson, Mack, Charvarius Ward and an ILB. You can make the money available.
Draft BPA but stick to the D side outside of a WR perhaps. Campbell, Green, Ezeriraku round 1… ILB/CB rounds 2-3.
Team is a SB contender. Mack will be pricey but won’t be a long term commitment so he won’t bury our cap for the next couple years like some others might.
No to Greenlaw, damaged goods with the Achilles. Landry won’t be cheaper than Mack I assume and Titans people trying to say he lost his pop after the ACL. Maybe just needed a gap year like Godwin and he will be better again this season but Mack seems like the lowest short term risk to me.
March 8th, 2025 at 3:27 pm
Yes, Joe!
Campbell in the first to learn behind David!
They seem to have overpaid a bit for David this year though in years past David has certainly been a bargain. That makes sense if David was serious about retirement and the Bucs were serious about mentoring the new big dog!
To those who question drafting and ILB in the first round, I say – Derrick Brooks! And, I think that they fail to appreciate how the Bucs really won the lottery when they got David in the second round!
Brooks was the heart of the Bucs defense for a decade plus and helped to lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory.
David tool up that mantle for a decade plus and likewise helped to lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory.
Finding the right guy to take up that mantle for the next decade should be the Bucs greatest priority! Campbell looks like that guy!
March 8th, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Licht is good at drafting linebackers in later rounds…Linebacker depth will be addressed in the draft.
Hopefully the Bucs can find another Kwon Alexander or Kendall Beckwith
March 8th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
I still prefer Trey Hendrickson you put him next to Vea and Kancey I pity the fool(quarterback).
March 8th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Changing the narrative to another astute one. We haven’t had an edge rush since Suh left. No, he wasn’t an edge but he was such a beast in the middle especially along side Vita that it gave the edge better lanes to collapse the pocket from.
Jonathan Allen may be a smart pickup depending on his $ number to go along with Landry.
And then Jihaad.
And Todd will have zero excuses for putrid pass defense in 2025.
March 8th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Agreed, that the Bucs definitely need a linebacker (or two). That said, “What’s Next” for the Bucs has got to be signing Chris Godwin and no later than Sunday. If he hits the free agent market on Monday, the Bucs won’t dare pay what other teams will.
March 8th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
I could see Micah Cresinger from Saginaw Valley being a sleeper. They should look at him.
March 8th, 2025 at 5:54 pm
Not sure if Greenlaw is it but I hope the Bucs address all the starting roles via free agency and then be able to build depth and go truly best player available
March 8th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
What top tier free agent have we ever signed besides the GOAT? I’d love to see Landry, or somewhat LESS so Mack, but I’m not holding my breath
March 8th, 2025 at 6:51 pm
BJ:
There are a few. Hardy Nickerson ( turned the franchise in the right direction )…Simeon Rice helped win the 2002 Lombardi…more recently…the aforementioned Shaq Barrett who was buried behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in Denver.
March 8th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
I have high hopes for Dennis moving forward. He had that shoulder bandaged since college. He was playing through the injury for years like a beast. Now he’ll finally (hopefully) be 100%.
Even still. I hope we take Campbell in round 1. To replace David when he does retire, and to provide depth.
Then trade or cut Dean, and bring in a stud vet at edge and corner and draft another corner.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:08 pm
We still need a cover corner from round 1 or 2. And a LB from round 1 or 2. Then we can draft a safety, edge, DL and WR in this order.
We will end with Mack or Hendrickson as our SS edge.
Finally, we need to trade Godwin and Dean for a couple more picks.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
@Beeej
Only other one I can think of would be Rice. That’s what I don’t understand about them. When they’ve got the $$$$ it’s very rare that they spend it also.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
Jason Licht, you need to be paying Chris Godwin right about now.
Do not let him hit free agency; that better have been smoke and mirrors at Combine. Pay Godwin
March 8th, 2025 at 10:02 pm
California Buc – You cannot trade Godwin. He is a free agent.
March 8th, 2025 at 10:05 pm
What would be beyond not right is if the Bucs and Bowles don’t pay the man who got hurt giving his all in a loss to the Ravens, but another team pays him what he is worth. Jason Licht needs to step up
March 9th, 2025 at 6:01 am
After EDGE, I think the most interesting free agent signing could be a WR. There is a ton of talent on the market. I think the Bucs could land a solid vet if CG isn’t going to sign.