Do the Bucs have enough depth at linebacker?

It appeared after last season that the Buccaneers made a concerted effort to add veteran depth to the roster to avoid inexperienced players from being thrust into key roles should injury hit.

One area the team specifically added to was inside linebacker. After re-signing Lavonte David to another one-year deal in free agency, the Bucs agreed to terms with veteran Anthony Walker. In a swap of linebackers, Walker signed with the Bucs while KJ Britt, who started for Tampa Bay last year, went to the Miami Dolphins.

Walker is known for his coverage ability, an area the Bucs struggled mightily in last year with their inside linebackers. Having grown up with Lavonte David as a mentor, Walker seemed like the perfect fit, and he said all the right things. In spring work, he was loud, energetic, and looked fresh as a welcome addition to the Bucs' linebacker room. However, upon returning for training camp, Walker had suffered an injury and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list. 

Walker missed all of camp and was speculated to land on the NFI list to start the season. The move would keep him out for the first four weeks, but give him time to get healthy. Shockingly, the Buccaneers parted ways with the veteran linebacker during roster cuts. With the help of the media, Walker‘s agent reported that he was healthy and ready to go, contradicting what the Bucs had stated. 

Tampa Bay kept his locker intact with hopes of getting him back on the practice squad. However, Walker had other plans. By Wednesday, he had set up a visit with the Colts, and by Friday, he had signed a deal to join their practice squad, returning to the franchise that drafted him.

The Buccaneers are thin at linebacker