Buccaneers Linked to Alabama Linebacker in NFL Draft

General manager Jason Licht and head coach/defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will have more than one position group targeted for improvement in 2025, but one priority will be linebacker.

Lavonte David is reportedly still deciding between retirement and continuing his pro football career. If he continues, he'll be a free agent and will need to agree to terms on a new deal.

K.J. Britt is also a free agent and could come back as a depth piece for the unit.

However, the Bucs have been linked to Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who could be an immediate difference-maker on the second level of the Tampa Bay defense.

"Lavonte David and K.J. Britt are set to be free agents, so the Bucs have a big void at linebacker," ESPN's Jordan Reid said. "Even if David returns, the 35-year-old is likely nearing the end of his career. Campbell is one of my favorite players in this class, and Tampa Bay could pass the LB torch to him. He can play multiple spots, excels off the ball (112 tackles in 2024) and makes plays in the backfield (five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss). 

"He also has great instincts in pass coverage, as well as the ability to be deployed as a blitzer or off the edge in late-down situations. He still needs to work as a run defender in the box, but the upside is there."

If Campbell is a target at No. 19 for the Bucs then we'll find out next month. The NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 and runs through April 26.