Story by
Buccaneers’ Nuñez-Rochez Confident He Can Play At High Level
- Story by
- Buccaneers’ Nuñez-Rochez Confident He Can Play At High Level
(Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)
Rakeem Nuñez-Roches is confident he can still play at a high level for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite being 33 years old.
Nuñez-Roches improved in his 30s during a three-year tenure with the New York Giants . The former Giant posted a career-high in tackles (52) in 2024 and three sacks last season.
Advertisement
He said everything came together for him in the final year with the guidance of defensive line coach Andre Patterson and former teammate Dexter Lawrence .
"Between my run technique, the things I learned over the course of time with AP, as far as the pass rush," Nuñez-Roches said after Sunday's training camp practice . "Looking at it differently. Even the things Dexter Lawrence used to tell me about, weight distribution of the shoulders."
He returns to Tampa Bay after three seasons as a much-improved pass rusher. It comes during a crucial period after star defensive tackle Vita Vea requested a trade last Monday , as he entered training camp with no contract extension.
Vea's agent, Collin Roberts, and general manager Jason Licht are standing firm on their positions. Roberts believes his client's tenure with the team will inevitably end in a trade , while Licht is adamant about not trading the interior defensive anchor .
Advertisement
Tampa Bay would need a stopgap replacement if Vea is traded. Nuñez-Roches could fit that role with his prior experience and leadership.
He played five seasons for the Buccaneers before leaving for New York. Coach Todd Bowles was the defensive coordinator for his last four years, providing the team with a player who is familiar with his aggressive defensive scheme.
Bowles favors pressuring the quarterback often. Nuñez-Roches' improvement from his time with the Giants could give Tampa Bay another interior pass-rushing option.
He is also serving as a veteran pillar for his younger teammates to rely on at camp. He's answering their questions and teaching them what tenacity looks like.
Advertisement
Tampa Bay has talented youth on its roster. Outside linebacker David Walker has stood out at camp. Nuñez-Roches said it feels like he has a 95% win rate and is " something serious ."
The Buccaneers reunited with their former nose tackle on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. It's a low-risk, high-reward investment for depth at defensive tackle.
Tampa Bay may need Nuñez-Roches' presence more than they predicted originally. His experience with the franchise and coaching staff makes him a solid rotational interior pass-rusher who could step up as a starter in the future.
