No.
The Bucs are still thin at linebacker.
Oh, trust that Joe was fully geeked last night when news moved that Lavonte David was brought back from the brink of retirement. Joe poured some Bulleit Bourbon for the occasion (Joe hasn’t yet replenished his supply of Eagle Rare, unfortunately).
Still, like last year, the Bucs are dangerously thin at inside linebacker.
Now Joe clearly recalls Todd Bowles raving about SirVocea Dennis for the 2025 season. There is a lot to like about Dennis — when he gets on the field.
Dennis, 25, has proven in his two Bucs seasons that he can make splash plays and get hurt. Dennis is quick and smart and Joe has a lot of hope for him.
But it doesn’t matter if you are Lawrence Taylor II if you cannot stay out of the tub. So if the Bucs are banking on Dennis, well, that’s a gamble to be polite.
Joe would lean to draft Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. That way the Bucs get a stud and get younger at a critical position. Campbell is 21.
Over at the PFF tribe, Bradley Locker is of the mind the Bucs need to bring in an experienced linebacker. So he thinks Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager [Jason Licht should buy](https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-perfect-2025-free-agent-match-every-nfl-team-2025#30) 49ers free agent linebacker/damaged goods Dre Greenlaw.
> … Although he missed virtually all of 2024 due to a torn Achilles, Greenlaw was a stud in the two years prior. The Buccaneers could use coverage help at linebacker.
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> Greenlaw’s market will be interesting because of his injury history, but he’ll have a real shot of playing at a premier level if he stays healthy. Todd Bowles would love his services over the middle.
Well, Greenlaw will turn 28 soon. And he’s coming off an Achilles.
Joe has three words about that: No freaking way.
Joe doesn’t want any older player who needs to rely on speed coming off an Achilles. Greenlaw may not even be 100 percent until 2026.
If he’s ever at 100 percent again.
An Achilles ruined O.J. Howard’s career. It basically ended Shaq Barrett’s career. The only way Joe would sign Greenlaw is if it’s a dirt-cheap, prove-it contract.
Joe would draft this Campbell in a heartbeat before signing Greenlaw.
Yes, the Bucs need another inside linebacker. But with David back, they don’t need one so badly they should invest in damaged goods.