Insider Reveals Bucs Interest in Free Agent Defensive Star

While there remains some disappointment, the team did improve its win total with a 10-7 record in 2024. 

But the Bucs know they have a team that can make the playoffs. The next step is advancing and solidifying their contender status. They showed it in moments last season, claiming wins against three of the final four teams standing in the NFC. 

However, it has become clear that they need a little more juice to lift themselves into that upper echelon. To do so, the Bucs may charter a path somewhat unfamiliar to the normal proceedings of the franchise. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have pointed to Tampa Bay's potential interest in a big-name free agent coming out of last week's NFL Scouting Combine. The Bucs could target Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack in free agency. 

"Teams agree edge rusher Khalil played lights out last season, and the only real concern with his free agency is age (he's 34).... Tampa Bay typically doesn't spend big on external free agents but is looking for pass-rush help."

It would certainly be a change for the Bucs who last landed a big-fish target when they signed quarterback Tom Brady back in 2020. However, Todd Bowles' defense is certainly in need of some pass-rushing help. 

The Bucs' top two sack-getters last season, Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, are not necessarily known for their quarterback-hunting prowess. In fact, No player besides the wily veteran David tallied more than five sacks from the second layer of the Bucs' defense. 

Their 46 sacks still ranked among the upper half in the league but regressed from a total of 48 in 2023 when many thought that number could improve. As the Bucs experience some transition on the defensive side with David's future unknown, the potential interest in Mack makes sense here. 

As Fowler and Graziano mention, Mack is still revered around the league at his age and produced six sacks last season. Go back just another season and Mack had 17. 

Now Bucs fans should not expect that sort of figure if he joins the team, but there is an apparent need for his skillset on this defense. Whether the team actually pursues him or a player of his caliber remains the question. 

Nonetheless, Bowles' defense must go into next season more equipped in the pass rush, an area where his units traditionally thrive. If the Bucs want to solidify that need, Mack is an ideal target.