As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans have plenty to look forward to. With NFL free agency just around the corner, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
The legal tampering period kicks off on Monday, March 9, allowing teams to start negotiating contracts with free agents from other teams. While verbal agreements can be reached starting Monday, official signings will have to wait until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 11.
To keep up with all the action surrounding the Bucs, here's a handy tracker of their moves in free agency.
Players Joining the Bucs:
- Cade Otton, Tight End: The Bucs have secured Otton for three years, though the financial details remain under wraps. His addition is expected to bolster the tight end position significantly.
- Alex Anzalone, Linebacker: Anzalone has agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal, bringing his defensive prowess to Tampa Bay's linebacker corps.
- Kenneth Gainwell, Running Back: Gainwell joins the Bucs on a two-year, $14 million contract, adding depth and versatility to the running back rotation.
Bucs Free Agents on the Move:
- Mike Evans, Wide Receiver: Evans has inked a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, marking the end of an era for the star receiver in Tampa Bay.
- Jamel Dean, Cornerback: Dean is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking his talents to their secondary.
Other Bucs Free Agents:
Several other players are either in the preview stage or exploring opportunities, including:
- Christian Izien, Defensive Back
- Sean Tucker, Running Back
- Ko Kieft, Fullback/Tight End
- Lavonte David, Linebacker
- Kindle Vildor, Cornerback
- Sterling Shepard, Wide Receiver
- Logan Hall, Defensive Line
- Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher
- Greg Gaines, Defensive Line
- Charlie Heck, Offensive Tackle
- Rachaad White, Running Back
- Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback
- Deion Jones, Linebacker
- Dan Feeny, Guard
- J.T. Gray, Safety
- Anthony Walker Jr., Linebacker
- Michael Jordan, Guard
- Markees Watts, Edge Rusher
As the Bucs navigate free agency, the moves they make will shape the team's future. With new faces joining and familiar ones departing, it's a time of transition and opportunity for Tampa Bay. Keep an eye on these developments as the new season promises fresh challenges and excitement.