Bucs To Pursue Pass Rush Additions

Tampa Bay brought in Haason Reddick via free agency last year in a move which ended his bizarre Jets tenure. The two-time Pro Bowler made 13 appearances with the Bucs, but in that time he managed only 2.5 sacks. ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes Reddick is unlikely to be retained for 2026.

Finding a replacement starter along the edge will be key as a result. After Tampa Bay finished in a tie for 18th in sacks last season, there will be plenty of room for improvement during free agency and the draft. The open market in particular will offer numerous options, and Graziano notes the Buccaneers can be expected to actively pursue one or more additions this spring.

YaYa Diaby operated as a full-time starter in 2025, doing so for the second campaign in a row. The 26-year-old can be expected to remain a staple on defense through the final season of his rookie contract. David Walker‘s debut season was wiped out due to an ACL tear suffered in training camp, but upon returning to full health he could take on a depth role for 2026. Veteran Anthony Nelson and former second-round pick Chris Braswell are also in the fold.

The list of pending free agent edge rushers contains older options like Khalil Mack, Trey Hendrickson and Bradley Chubb. Others, such as Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh and Kwity Paye are on course to test the market for the first time in their careers. With nearly $21MM in cap space as things stand, Tampa Bay should be able to afford at least a modest free agent EDGE investment. The Bucs also have seven picks in April’s draft, so adding a rookie will be feasible as well.

Mutual interest exists for another Mike Evans pact to be worked out. Tampa Bay’s receiver outlook will depend on how contract talks go on that front, but the pursuit of pass rush help will be something to monitor as well.