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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 3, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and preview how it might perform this season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Bucs were only 19th in yards per carry allowed to running backs last season (4.3), but they led the league in the rate of negative runs forced. Vita Vea played his usual role in that number, recording 9 run stuffs, and he contributed 4.5 sacks. With Logan Hall leaving in free agency, the Bucs brought in both A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches this offseason. Tampa really needs to get more from 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey, who played three games last year and has just 29 appearances through three seasons. Tampa ranked 11th in pressure rate (38.7%) last year and recorded 37 sacks (18th). Yaya Diaby led the pass rush, getting 7 sacks but posting a very good 14.4% pressure rate. The Bucs moved on from Haason Reddick, bringing in Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency. Muhammad is coming off a career year, finishing 12th among qualified pass rushers in pressure rate and logging 11 sacks. They also got a draft steal when Rueben Bain Jr. fell to them in the first round, giving them a potentially quality rotation along the edge. Following Lavonte David’s retirement, the Bucs are entering a new era at linebacker. Tampa made two additions in free agency, signing Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom, and they drafted Josiah Trotter in the second round. Anzalone should step in as an immediate starter following five quality seasons in Detroit. Rozeboom made plays in the running game for the Panthers last season, but he ranked 99th in yards allowed per coverage snap among qualified linebackers. Trotter should get a real shot to earn a starting job as a rookie. The Bucs struggled against the pass last year, finishing 27th in yards per pass attempt allowed, 23rd in touchdown rate allowed, and 23rd in explosive throw rate allowed. The pass defense did perform better with Jamel Dean on the field last year, but he left in free agency. The Bucs did prepare for the future in the draft last year, selecting Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third, and Zyon McCollum will lead the cornerback group with Dean gone. The Bucs are in a good spot at safety with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith atop the depth chart, though neither stood out in coverage last season. Winfield finished 49th among qualified safeties in yards allowed per coverage snap, and Smith was 92nd. J.J. Roberts was getting good buzz as an undrafted rookie last year, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Tampa also added Keionte Scott in the fourth round. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren'…