Buccaneers exercise fifth-year option on Calijah Kancey

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a long-term commitment to Calijah Kancey , officially exercising his fifth-year option and keeping him under contract through the 2027 season, as first reported by Adam Schefter.

The move locks in Kancey on a projected $14.4 million option year in 2027, giving Tampa Bay cost certainty at a position that continues to be a focal point in Todd Bowles’ defense. It also signals confidence in Kancey’s development as a core piece along the defensive front.

From a production standpoint, Kancey has steadily carved out a role as an interior disruptor. In 2024, he played 595 snaps, 409 of which were as a pass rusher, generating 40 total pressures, including 8 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 22 hurries. Unfortunately, that wasn't the same story as Calijah Kancey suffered a torn pectoral muscle in 2025.

Kancey has primarily lined up as an interior pass rusher, logging over 250 snaps in the box and nearly 250 along the defensive line in 2024, often used in situations designed to create pressure rather than anchor against the run.

By exercising the option now, the Buccaneers keep one of their most important defensive pieces in place while maintaining flexibility to pursue a longer-term extension in the future if 2026 is a big year.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Offseason: Buccaneers exercise fifth-year option on Calijah Kancey