The Tampa Bay Buccaneers do not need an overhaul on the defensive side heading into the offseason though there is demand for improvement from last year's marks.
Todd Bowles defense will expend some efforts evaluating the middle of the defense where 13-year linebacker Lavonte David will hit free agency and could be done with his time in Tampa Bay. J.J Russell also hits the market this offseason, leaving only K.J. Britt in that position after an underwhelming 2024.
Antoine Winfield Jr. and the Bucs' secondary battled injuries throughout the season, but struggled to maintain any playmaking ability down the stretch.
On the line Vita Vea earned selection to the Pro Bowl Games, headlining a defensive front that did a fine job of accumulating sacks but saw much room for improvement.
Out of all these linebacker is likely the most urgent area to find a solution. However, the most impactful move for the Bucs, and 30 other NFL defenses, is available on the edge.
Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns and the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is ready to help a contender. No primary suitors or favorites have emerged at this time.
However, ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes a trade for Garrett is at least worth consideration for Tampa Bay despite some contrasting styles.
"Todd Bowles' defense also generates so much of its pressure with blitzes, so Garrett might mean more for a team that rushes four and relies on the defensive line to get home.
The Bucs are a competitive team that could justify seeing Garrett as the guy who can take them to the next level, however, and playing in an income tax-free state could make Garrett millions of dollars over this next contract."
As Barnwell also mentions, Yaya Diaby and Calijah Kancey already account for much of the pressure generated on opposing quarterbacks. However, fit and cap have to take a backseat to some extent when a player like Garrett becomes available.
Wherever he ends up, his impact will be felt immediately, not only by what he can do himself, but also in his ability to elevate the players around him.
Now the cost for Garrett may put him out of reach for the Bucs unless Jason Licht and his team are willing to be uber aggressive here. With major decisions around David, Chris Godwin and others, they may find themselves out of this pursuit early.
But it is hard not to explore what Garrett could provide a team looking to cement themselves as a contender in the NFC.
