The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are running it back with Todd Bowles as head coach, a decision that’s raised more than a few eyebrows after a turbulent end to the 2025 season. Tampa’s second-half collapse was tough to watch, especially in a division as wide open as the NFC South.
Missing the playoffs in that context? That stings.
And while Bowles returns, it’s clear the leash is short and the expectations are sky-high.
One thing is obvious: if the Bucs are sticking with Bowles, they need to give him more to work with-especially on the defensive side of the ball. The defense, Bowles’ supposed specialty, didn’t look like a unit playing up to its potential down the stretch.
The pass rush lacked bite, and the linebacker corps-once a strength-looked increasingly thin, particularly with Lavonte David’s future in Tampa still very much uncertain. David’s a franchise icon, but he’s nearing the end, and the Bucs can’t afford to be sentimental when the defense needs a serious jolt.
Enter Devin Lloyd.
The Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker just wrapped up a stellar 2025 season, earning All-Pro honors and showing exactly why he’s one of the most complete inside linebackers in the league. He’s a modern-day defender-rangy, instinctive, and dangerous in coverage.
Oh, and he can get after the quarterback too, racking up five sacks last year. That kind of versatility isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential in today’s NFL, especially for a defense like Bowles’ that asks a lot from its linebackers.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Lloyd is expected to hit free agency. According to reports, Jacksonville isn’t likely to tag him, with the franchise tag for inside linebackers projected at $27.5 million-too steep for a team juggling other roster priorities.
And it doesn’t sound like a long-term deal is on the table either. That opens the door for a team like Tampa Bay, which desperately needs a player of Lloyd’s caliber in the middle of the field.
From a scheme and need standpoint, Lloyd fits like a glove. He’s the kind of player who can stabilize the second level and give Bowles the flexibility to get creative again.
The Bucs' defense thrives when it has athletic linebackers who can do a bit of everything-blitz, cover, and clean up against the run. Lloyd checks every one of those boxes.
Now, let’s talk money. Tampa Bay isn’t exactly flush with cap space, sitting just under $15 million.
That makes things tricky, especially if Lloyd commands a top-tier price tag. But if there’s ever been a time for GM Jason Licht to get aggressive in free agency, it’s now.
The Bucs can’t afford to be passive-not with the division up for grabs and a fan base that’s already restless.
Lloyd wouldn’t just be a splash signing; he’d be a foundational piece. He’s 27, entering his prime, and coming off a career-best season.
If the Bucs are serious about turning things around and making a real playoff push in 2026, this is the kind of move that signals intent. It’s not just about plugging a hole-it’s about elevating the entire defense.
So while there’s plenty of work to do this offseason, one thing is clear: if Devin Lloyd hits the open market, the Buccaneers should be first in line.