Calijah Kancey Is Staying Put in Tampa Bay, and the Bucs' Defense Just Got a Whole Lot Clearer

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked in one of their own on Monday, exercising the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. It's a straightforward move that signals the organization's confidence in their defensive line, especially as they enter a new era with fresh faces along the linebacker corps.

Building a New Defense From the Ground Up

The Bucs didn't just keep Kancey around. They're actively reshaping their entire defensive identity. In free agency, they brought in linebacker Alex Anzalone to anchor the unit from day one. Then in the 2026 NFL Draft, they doubled down on the linebacker position, selecting Mizzou's Josiah Trotter in the second round. Those two moves alone tell you everything you need to know about where Todd Bowles and Jason Licht are headed with this defense.

Kancey's option exercise keeps continuity up front while the team overhauls the linebacker room. It's a calculated approach that pairs veteran presence with hungry young talent.

The Rest of the Draft Class Adds Teeth

Tampa Bay made some aggressive moves early. They snagged Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick in round one. Bain Jr. is the real deal: in 2025, he earned second-team Associated Press All-American honors, won ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 16 games with 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. The Bucs called him a relentless pass rusher who brings serious energy.

The Bucs didn't stop there. They added Texas A&M wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round for intriguing skill set depth, Miami defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth round for versatility, and more defensive help with fifth-round pick DeMonte Capehart at defensive tackle and sixth-round tight end Bauer Sharp.

Between Kancey's locked-in status and this wave of draft talent, the Buccaneers' defense is getting an overhaul that could turn heads sooner rather than later. Next up: they face the Detroit Lions.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.