Tampa Bay Buccaneers Top Free Agent Inside Linebacker Options

Looking at some of the top potential fits at inside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

Author:
JC Allen
Publish date:
Mar 8, 2024 7:00 AM EST

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One of the more under-the-radar positions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to address this offseason is inside linebacker. It appears all signs are leading to a continuation of Lavonte David manning one of the starting spots as he has done so for the last 12 seasons. However, the other spot could be up for grabs with the expected departure of Devin White.

David is coming off an amazing season in 2023 and showed no signs of slowing down. While Devin White played himself out of Tampa Bay with a down season in a contract year, one that saw him benched down the stretch. The Bucs have said all the right things about K.J. Britt and last year's fifth-round pick SirVocea Dennis, but both players are limited physically or experience-wise.

In a deep free-agent class, the Bucs could look outside the organization to fill the void at starting linebacker alongside David, especially in a downtrodden year in the draft.

Blake Cashman

Cashman would be a tremendous fit for the Bucs in free agency. In 13 starts he had 106 tackles, nine for loss, two sacks, five pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He graded well in run defense, pass rush, and coverage and his 82.1 overall grade on Pro Football Focus saw him finish as the 8th best at his position and finishing fourth in coverage grade among linebackers. Cashman would fit in seamlessly on the roster and give David a true running mate who can play all three down effectively. He is an ascending player and is projected to receive a two-year deal worth about $8.5 million in free agency per PFF.

Jerome Baker

Baker was a surprise release from the Dolphins the week prior to free agency. The veteran linebacker is one of the better coverage linebackers now on the market. Last season he posted a 74.4 grade in coverage with PFF and picked off two passes, including a pick-six. Limited to just 13 games he tallied 78 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but has 22.5 sacks over his career. He would be a great fit next to David and is projected to sign a two-year $16 million deal in free agency.

Willie Gay

Another good coverage linebacker, Gay is a true sideline-to-sideline athlete manning the middle. He dipped into just about every statistical category in 2023 with 58 tackles, a sack, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and three recoveries. He brings it as a downhill force in run defense but can drop back and cover tight ends and backs as well. He is projected to receive a one-year deal worth about $3.75 million.