The Buccaneers made notable depth moves in their linebacker corps, parting ways with veteran Anthony Walker Jr. and cutting preseason standout Nick Jackson. With those roster spots now open, one name rising in conversations is Chris Paul Jr., who the Los Angeles Rams recently waived as they trim their roster ahead of the 53-man deadline on Tuesday.
Paul, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (172nd overall), carries an impressive collegiate résumé. The former Ole Miss standout earned All-American honors, led the SEC with 88 tackles in 2024, and posted one of the highest defensive grades among linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. He was praised for his sideline-to-sideline range, discipline, and instincts.
Statistically, he led all drafted inside linebackers in stop rate and had the lowest missed-tackle percentage, a combination of traits highly valued in today’s fast-paced NFL defenses.
Tampa Bay’s linebacker room has thinned considerably. With Walker’s departure and uncertainty around the team’s younger depth, the Bucs could benefit from injecting fresh energy and athleticism. Paul’s aggressive style, natural coverage ability, and special teams value make him more than just a developmental flyer.
Now available, Paul fits Tampa Bay’s need for smart, physical, and versatile defenders. If the Bucs are looking to shore up one of the roster’s thinnest groups before Week 1, signing Chris Paul Jr. could be a low-risk, high-upside move worth making.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could the Buccaneers target a 2025 5th-round pick after being waived?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
