Five Buccaneers Veterans in Danger of Losing Their Jobs to Rookies

Who is under the biggest threat to lose their spot on the Bucs roster?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis (8) reacts to making an interception against the Buffalo Bills | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

As we've mentioned, the Buccaneers have a lot of work to do in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a lot of position groups needing a lot of depth.

While the team has made some additions in free agency, they are far from a finished product and could look to get more help, even at the expense of some veterans currently on their roster. Let's take a look at a few of the Bucs might bring in competition for in this draft:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen stays focused and waits for running back James Cook III to get open to throw a pass to him while Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis bears down on him during second half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ILB Sirvocea Dennis

Tampa Bay has already gone to great lengths to bulk up its linebacker room after the retirement of Lavonte David. They've signed veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom, with the former for sure being a starter in 2026 and the latter competing for a starting job going forward.

Also factor in that the team is very likely to draft an inside linebacker early in the 2026 NFL draft, and there seems to be little for Dennis to get starting opportunities throughout training camp and preseason.

Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) scrambles in the pocket under pressure from Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

OLB Chris Braswell

We've talked so much this offseason about how the Buccaneers have needed to add more quality to their pass rusher room. The team has added Al-Quadin Muhammad to their roster and is expected to add another pass rusher in the first couple of rounds of the NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, Braswell has been an absolute flop of a second-round pick, playing in 34 games with zero starts, 48 combined tackles, 12 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble and two and a half sacks throughout his first two seasons in the NFL.

Aug 1, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Nelson (98) participates in training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

OLB Anthony Nelson

Nelson has been around a long time for the Buccaneers, entering year eight and playing in 107 games, starting 22 games overall. Nelson has also had 21.5 sacks, 212 combined tackles, 46 quarterback hits, 29 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered in his NFL career.

However, much like what I wrote about for Braswell, Nelson has become stagnant in the Bucs defense and pass rush rotation. While he is still a reliable veteran who knows Todd Bowles' defense and can still be a rotational piece, the team may very well want to bring a rookie who gives them more upside.

Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) and guard Ben Bredeson (68) celebrate touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

OG Ben Bredeson

Now, this one does feel like a bit of a stretch for me. Bredeson is in the second year of his newest extension for the Bucs and has a lot of supporters in the coaching staff and front office as a reliable veteran who can play in a lot of spots on the offensive line.

However, would it be absolutely shocking if the team decided to take a Jennings Dunker in the second round of the NFL Draft to compete for a starting job with Bredeson? In my opinion, it's certainly on the table.

Jun 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham (87) participates in mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

TE Payne Durham

Finally, we have Payne Durham, who could be competing for second tight end snaps this upcoming training camp and preseason. We've heard both head coach Todd Bowles and Jason Licht say that the tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft are good, and despite the re-signing of Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, it's still very possible that the team can draft another tight end to compete.

Durham has been very solid in his role as a blocker and backup tight end, but the team could certainly add another tight end to the room that could give them more upside to compete with Durham for number two reps going forward.

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