Bucs Sign Anzalone, Draft Allen for Linebacker Replacement

0:00It's March 30th. I'm Corey with the story, and this is NFL News Today, your AI-powered football briefing. Lavante David, one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers all-time great linebackers, just announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the team. That's a huge loss for their defense, but the Bucks were ready. They signed veteran Alex Anzalone to a two-year deal right before the news dropped. Anzalone steps in as a solid short-term replacement since he'll turn 32 in September, but he's really just a bridge to the next generation of. Linebackers in Tampa Bay. Fans and analysts feel the impact big-time, with David's leadership leaving a void that affects the whole defensive core. His 14 years brought stability, and now the team needs someone to step up fast in that signal-caller role. ESPN Draft Expert, Matt Miller, projects the Bucks grabbing Georgia's CJ Allen 15th overall to fill it long-term. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound standout was the first true freshman starter for Kirby Smart since

1:022018, showing elite. Instincts, toughness, and play-calling skills right away. Allen fits Todd Bowles' complex scheme perfectly with his speed, blitzing ability, and coverage range, much like David. Grabbing him early locks in five years of stability before the top linebacker talent dries up in the draft.