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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Land 35-Game Starter from Archrival
Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) reacts after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (not pictured) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to address their off-ball linebacker depth after signing Alex Anzalone. Lavonte David, Anthony Walker Jr., and Deion Jones are unsigned and testing the open market. This leaves the Buccaneers with just three linebackers under contract, which is far from ideal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers land 35-game starter from archrival

According to NFL insider Joseph Pasteris, the Buccaneers are signing Christian Rozeboom to a contract. He is on his fourth team, entering his seventh year in the league with 35 career starts, including the playoffs, and has recorded over 370 tackles. Rozeboom is considered a strong run defender and solid pass rusher, albeit a liability in coverage, making him an early-down candidate rather than a player on obvious passing downs.

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign


Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) runs the ball defended by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers signed Christian Rozeboom to a one-year, $2.5 million contract last March, where he primarily served as the top one linebacker and green dot wearer following Trevin Wallace’s injury. He recorded 122 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 15 regular-season games and 15 starts, plus nine tackles and one pass breakup in the playoffs. Rozeboom also posted seven pressures, a 6.7% run stop rate, a 12.8% missed tackle rate, and allowed 565 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 109.2 passer rating. 

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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