The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense thrives on the play of their linebackers as they back up the defensive line and try to contain the running back talent in the division. In 2025, that unit did not play to its potential, and the result was that they were at the mercy of running backs.
Now, in 2026, they will be without Lavonte David, but they brought in Alex Anzalone and Jeremiah Trotter. Is that enough?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay wrote up a list of potential cut candidates across the league that teams should pay attention to. One that he mentioned was Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, and it got us thinking, would it make sense for the Bucs to make a run?
Kay writes about Queen, “If Queen does hit free agency, he still offers plenty of upside as a 26-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler with first-round pedigree. He also brings a wealth of experience, having started 101 games since entering the league in 2020, and could still push closer to his ceiling in a new program.”
The Bucs have someone who would know Queen in their new special teams coordinator, Danny Smith. They were both together in Pittsburgh, so he would have an idea of the player they could be getting if he were available. If it is for a cheap deal, as would be expected, then perhaps adding one more veteran piece to the linebacker room to capitalize on the Super Bowl window they have isn’t a bad idea.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Should the Bucs pay attention to the status of Patrick Queen?
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
