The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still in talent acquisition mode, as their down year on defense in 2024 must be rectified if they want any chance of holding off the rest of their improved division foes. Linebacker, even with Lavonte David, remains an area of need.
After passing on one of the more popular mock draft selections in Jihaad Campbell to select wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers have neglected the position to such a degree that they should be at the front of the line for free agent signing Germaine Pratt.
Pratt was recently released by the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted two rookie linebackers in Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter to replace him. His services will be well sought-after on the open market, meaning that Tampa Bay can't afford to wait if they want him.
Pratt still has a few solid years as a starter left in him, and it is up to Jason Licht to ensure that at least one of those years are spent in pewter.
Buccaneers could sign Germaine Pratt after Bengals release veteran LB
Pratt is by no means a high-end starter despite having been an immovable fixture in the Bengals' starting defense over the last few seasons. After all, there's a reason why Joe Burrow missed the playoffs despite throwing for seemingly 900 yards every game. Pratt's 60.6 PFF grade bears that out.
However, Pratt was a key force in Cincinnati's defense last year. In Tampa Bay, he would be next to David as a role player. Not only will he not be responsible for organizing the entire unit, but David's quality is still at a level where he can make up for some below-average play out of his running mate.
Todd Bowles has a history of working with veteran castoffs in need of a coaching staff that believes in them and turning them around. In Bowles' scheme, there's a very good chance that Pratt could shake off what was a down year in 2024.
The Buccaneers are positioned to possibly tap into what promises to be a very enticing class of linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they need to eventually find a plan for life without David in the middle. Until that point, the Bucs can reinforce their status as the NFC South kings by making sure their defense is as good as it can be.
