Buccaneers Defensive Lineman Named Breakout Candidate

In his first two NFL seasons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey has arguably fallen short of expectations. Despite missing eight games, the 24-year-old has managed 11.5 sacks in 26 appearances for the Bucs since the start of the 2023 season.

Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network identified Kancey as a potential breakout player for the Buccaneers.

“Calijah Kancey took a big step forward as a pass rusher in his second NFL season, leading the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks, 39 pressures, and 18 quarterback hits in just 12 games. His pressure rate jumped to 11% in 2024, up from 9.4% as a rookie, making him one of the more disruptive interior defenders in the league.”

Austin continued,

“While Tampa Bay’s defense finished middle of the pack in PFSN’s Defense+ metric and struggled against the pass, Kancey’s ability to generate consistent pressure was a bright spot. With the addition of Haason Reddick to the defensive front, Kancey could see more favorable matchups and opportunities and reach double-digit sacks in 2025. With the addition of Haason Reddick to the defensive front, Kancey could see more favorable matchups and opportunities and reach double-digit sacks in 2025.”

Austin continued,

“Health has been a challenge early in his career, but if Kancey can stay on the field, he’s poised to become a foundational piece of the Bucs’ defense and one of the NFL’s premier young interior pass rushers.”

If Kancey stays healthy and meets expectations, the Buccaneers might exercise his fifth-year option, potentially keeping him on the team through 2027. Otherwise, he’ll likely hit free agency after the 2026 season.

The BR Rub 

Calijah Kancey has all of the tools necessary to be a menace on the defensive line. The problem here is, he hasn’t been. While injuries obviously play a factor in this, the reality is he HAS to step up his play. Kancey NEEDS to show he was worth being a first-round pick. And that needs to happen this season, or I’m afraid he’s looking at free agency.