Life without Lavonte David
For the first time since 2012, the Bucs are entering a season without Lavonte David at linebacker. Tampa Bay prepared for that transition by signing Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom and drafting Josiah Trotter Jr. in the second round. They'll join SirVocea Dennis in a group that looks considerably different from the one Todd Bowles has relied on for years. Anzalone brings plenty of experience but is learning a new defense after five seasons in Detroit. Trotter has the talent to earn a significant role immediately, but he's still a rookie. Dennis has shown promise when healthy, although injuries have kept him from consistency. Tampa Bay also kept only four inside linebackers on its initial 53-man roster, with Caden
Fordham rounding out the group. That doesn't leave much room if injuries become an issue, as they did in 2025.
Special teams still doesn't look fixed
The Bucs knew they needed to make changes on special teams after last season, which led to the hiring of longtime coordinator Danny Smith, but things still look shaky. Tampa Bay had issues in kickoff coverage during the preseason, committed penalties and struggled to consistently control field position, including in the finale against Jacksonville when Michael Wortham returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. Bowles offered some context afterward, noting that many of the players handling special teams duties were also playing extended snaps on offense or defense and were tired. But the Bucs hired Smith because this was already a problem.
The secondary is talented but still unproven
.Zyon McCollum is the only veteran of the group, and the depth behind him is extremely young. Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison are entering their second season, but Morrison missed a large portion of training camp with a hamstring injury before returning in the preseason finale. Keionte Scott appeared to be working his way toward a significant role in the slot before suffering an ankle sprain against Jacksonville. Bowles has said the injury isn't considered significant, but his status is still worth monitoring with the regular season approaching. Then there's Ayden Garnes, who played his way from undrafted free agent to the initial 53 man roster with an impressive preseason. Garnes earned his spot, but regular season football will be a different test. The Bucs are betting heavily on their young corners developing quickly, and they'll have a trial by fire as Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be waiting in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 3 reasons to worry about the Buccaneers heading into the 2026 season
