Bucs' Inside Linebacker Gap: Wagner or Draft?

0:00On March 27th, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a big gap at Inside Linebacker, now that Lavante David has retired after a 13-year career with the team. He earned first team All-Pro honors, won a Super Bowl ring, and shares the franchise tackle record with dared Brooks. One idea floating around is signing free agent Bobby Wagner, who was drafted just 11 picks before David back in 2012. Wagner brings a likely hall of fame resume, with six first team All-Pro nods, mostly from his Seattle Seahawks days. At age 35, Wagner shines in run defense, but struggles in coverage, much like David did late in his career. The Bucks already added Alex Anzalone in free agency, who might help shore up that weakness if they pair him with Wagner. Financially, Wagner could cost around $7,700,000 a year, which Tampa Bay might swing with incentives. But they just signed Christian Rose Boom on a cheap deal and seemed focused on other spots, by cornerback or the defensive line.

1:01While a Wagner signing would feel poetic given the draft link, the Bucks look more likely to draft a long-term replacement and build from within. That's the story for today. NFL News Today, Driven by AI, I'm Corey with the Story.