Buccaneers Free Agent LB & HC Talk SirVocea Dennis

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers passed on drafting a linebacker in the NFL Draft, likely due to their confidence in the current lineup. This appears to have been the right move.

With franchise legend Lavonte David and returning linebacker SirVocea Dennis, the Buccaneers are looking strong. After missing most of last season due to shoulder surgery, Dennis is back and ready to contribute in 2025, and Coach Todd Bowles is optimistic about his potential.

Head Coach Todd Bowles via the team’s communications department,

“We’ve just got to keep him healthy. We feel like he’s a lot healthier going into this season than he’s ever been. Knock on wood, if he’s healthy, we think we’ve got a heck of a player.”

The Buccaneers bolstered their linebacker room by signing veteran Anthony Walker, who brings eight years of NFL experience. Walker is expected to play a rotational role, providing support and mentorship to the team’s core, particularly SirVocea Dennis, whom he praised after meeting him at mandatory minicamp.

“He’ll be a great player in this league for a very long time. We’ve been talking about it since I met him. [On the] first day at OTAs [he] made one of the best plays I’ve ever seen a linebacker make – including Lavonte David,” Walker stated. “Man, he’s special, very cerebral, knows the game very well, can really do everything on the field as a pass dropper, blitzer and run defender. I’m excited to see him.”

Despite flashes of brilliance, SirVocea Dennis’s early NFL career has been marred by injuries. Notably, a lingering shoulder issue that dated back to college has been a challenge. However, after undergoing corrective surgery, Dennis feels rejuvenated and ready to contribute fully in the 2025 season.

“I feel great. Actually, I felt great [during] our last playoff game, really,” Dennis said. “It just feels amazing being out here practicing with the guys, just being around football and just being back just to play healthy.”

After playing 13 games in 2023 and just four in 2024, SirVocea Dennis’s health will be key in 2025. If he can stay on the field, veteran linebacker Anthony Walker believes Dennis has the potential to make a significant impact for the Buccaneers, which could be crucial for a defense looking to improve.