With Lavonte David looking ever more likely to retire, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be facing several issues on the defensive side of the ball. After Todd Bowles was part of a staff that led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title six years ago, he has failed to recapture that magic as a head coach.
Still, with free agency looming and several decisions to make within the organization, the Bucs could be in for several players to fill the void David could potentially leave: including an All-Pro defender already residing in the state of Florida.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is seen as a potential option for the Bucs should David hang up his cleats. “Staying in Florida could be the best move for Lloyd, moving to the southwest to join the Bucs as a much-needed defensive reinforcement. Tampa’s linebacking corps already struggled in 2025 and could get even worse if longtime star Lavonte David elects to retire after 14 years with the program,” wrote Kay.
It would definitely maintain the level that David brought to the field and would ultimately be an apt replacement for the Bucs and a new leader in the locker room. Now, after having his fifth year option declined, he can find a new home in Tampa.
A Ready-Made Successor to a Franchise Icon
This season, Lloyd was one of the Jaguars’ best defensive players, finishing the season with 81 total tackles, seven passes defensed, five interceptions(one of which was a 99 yard pick six), 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He earned second team All-Pro honors as a result and led a Jags defense that ranked eight in scoring, only allowing 19.8 points per game and 85.6 yards per game on the ground.
The best part about Lloyd is that he is a playmaker on all three levels of the defense: He can cover in space, be solid against the run, and can provide takeaways from the linebacker spot. He also can play all three downs and be responsible for covering tight ends over the middle of the field.
Why Devin Lloyd Is a Three-Down Difference Maker
Add in the fact that he is in the prime of his career at just 27 years of age, he provides that range to be a huge chess piece for Bowles, and is versatile enough to continue performing at a high level, and he feels like a no-brainer for the Bucs.
The fact of the matter is, there may be no other time but now for the Bucs to pick up a player of Lloyd’s caliber. Players who have their fifth year options declined and are still in the prime of their careers don’t come along often. For the Bucs, it would be a major coup and a huge problem addressed. Besides, if the Bucs were to draft someone at the position, they may not know what they will be getting over a five year stretch.
With Lloyd, the Bucs probably have the safest bet in the open market to fill the shoes of a franchise legend.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bucs Predicted To Land All-Pro LB in Free Agency appeared first on Heavy Sports.
