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Which Bucs player is most likely to be a bust for the 2026 season?
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- Which Bucs player is most likely to be a bust for the 2026 season?
Competition at inside linebacker has become one of the biggest storylines of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ' offseason, and Bleacher Report believes one player has the most to lose.
In an article identifying every team's biggest potential bust candidate for the 2026 season, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton selected linebacker SirVocea Dennis. The choice wasn't necessarily a criticism of Dennis' talent, but rather a reflection of how much competition Tampa Bay has added to the position this offseason.
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The Buccaneers signed veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom in free agency before selecting Josiah Trotter in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Anzalone brings 93 career starts, Rozeboom started 26 games over the last two seasons, and Trotter arrives with one of the most productive résumés among linebackers in his draft class after recording 176 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception over his final two collegiate seasons.
Moton noted that Dennis was productive during his first year as a full-time starter in 2025, finishing with 101 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups, and one interception. However, he also pointed out that Dennis surrendered a 122.0 passer rating in coverage, an area where Tampa Bay's new additions could challenge him for snaps.
The current depth chart reflects just how crowded the room has become. Anzalone is projected to start at one inside linebacker spot, while Trotter currently sits atop the depth chart at the other. Dennis is listed behind Trotter, with Rozeboom also competing for playing time, making every preseason rep critical as the Buccaneers sort through the rotation.
Dennis has already shown he can make plays against the run and create disruption as a blitzer. The question entering training camp is whether he can improve enough in coverage to earn a consistent three-down role. If he does, Tampa Bay suddenly has one of the deepest linebacker groups in the NFC. If not, Moton believes Dennis could find himself losing snaps to the newcomers the Buccaneers brought in this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Which Bucs player is most likely to be a bust for the 2026 season?
