The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed most of their key needs during free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, but there are still areas of the roster that could use reinforcement.
Several quality players remain available on the free-agent market who could give the Bucs a significant boost in 2025.
3 Remaining Free Agents the Buccaneers Should Target
Eric Kendricks, ILB
Eric Kendricks is the best inside linebacker left on the market — and may be the top unsigned defensive player overall. At 33 years old, he’s not a long-term option, but he would be a quick fix to Tampa Bay’s thin linebacker depth in 2025.
Kendricks is coming off an impressive 2024 season in which he recorded 138 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He would join Lavonte David in Tampa Bay, giving Todd Bowles a pair of ageless anchors in the middle of his 3–4 defense, significantly raising the unit’s ceiling.
The front office is optimistic about SirVocea Dennis, who has shown promise in limited action. However, given his injury history and the decision not to draft an inside linebacker this year, the Bucs would be wise to bring in a veteran. Kendricks is the perfect fit.
Julian Blackmon, Safety
Tampa Bay’s two biggest defensive issues last year were injuries and a lack of takeaways.
Julian Blackmon addresses both. He’s recorded seven interceptions over the past two seasons, including three in 2024 — more than any Buccaneer had last season. Tampa Bay’s defense finished with just seven picks total.
Blackmon also checks the durability box. He’s played at least 14 games in four of his five NFL seasons.
Adding Blackmon would give the Bucs insurance behind Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith. It would also allow Smith to stay at nickel — his primary role in 2024 — if third-round rookie Jacob Parrish isn’t ready for full-time starting duties just yet.
Signing Blackmon would be the cherry on top of a successful defensive overhaul that’s been the focus of Tampa Bay’s offseason.
Ja’Whaun Bentley, ILB
Kyzir White is another consideration at inside linebacker, but Ja’Whaun Bentley may come at a lower cost. The three-time Patriots team captain could be exactly what the Bucs are looking for, at a value.
Bentley suffered a torn pectoral in Week 2 that ended his 2024 season prematurely. But prior to the injury, he was poised for a breakout year, and Tampa Bay would be smart to gamble on his potential.
Bentley checks every box Bowles wants: ball-hawking instincts, veteran leadership, and experience wearing the green dot for New England.
Before his injury, Bentley posted three straight seasons with over 100 tackles (2021–2023). He notched a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2023 and added three sacks and an interception in 2022.
Now 29, Bentley will return with a chip on his shoulder after being released by the Patriots, and that mindset could make him a perfect culture fit in Tampa Bay’s locker room.
