Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis didn't get to finish his second season in the league. In fact, it lasted just four games due to a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery to repair.
His departure was noticed as the defense suffered, falling to No. 31 in the league just three games after losing the now-25-year-old. That means he clearly had a positive effect on the unit, and the Buccaneers think he can continue that trend in 2025.
His recovery seems to be going well, as he's been at One Buc Place and participating in OTAs. He's slated to start next season, and his work this offseason has not gone unnoticed.
ESPN listed Dennis in their 32 players who have been an offseason surprise.
"The Bucs only caught a glimpse of Dennis due to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4, and the middle of the field was quite vulnerable last season as a result. But he had one of the most impressive offseasons of any Bucs defender," Jenna Laine wrote.
Head coach and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles believes he's a key part of the defense already, just 17 games into his NFL career.
“The fact that he’s been here two years – he understands how it works and what to do," Bowles said of Dennis. "Just the experience and him being out on the field every day and staying healthy will help him a great deal. I don’t worry about him from the game getting too big for him standpoint. He understands everything, he knows how to play, and right now, he’s in the best shape he’s been in since he’s been here.”
Dennis updated everyone about his condition as training camp approaches.
"I feel great. Actually, I felt great [during] our last playoff game, really," Dennis said. "It just feels amazing being out here practicing with the guys, just being around football and just being back just to play healthy."
Dennis posted 22 total tackles with 14 solo and one for loss with a sack and a quarterback hit before the injury just four games into the season.