The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to be in the market for a premier pass rusher this offseason, either through free agency or the NFL Draft. Although the team faces financial constraints, recent reports have linked them to former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Buccaneers Eyeing Khalil Mack to Bolster Pass Rush
Despite not having a dominant edge rusher last season, the Buccaneers still managed to record over 40 sacks. However, the team is looking for an upgrade, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that Mack is a player of interest for Tampa Bay.
Fowler noted that league insiders believe Mack played at an elite level last season, though some teams have concerns about his age, as he turns 34 this year. He also mentioned that the Buccaneers and Chicago Bears have been linked as potential landing spots for the veteran defender. While Tampa Bay traditionally avoids big spending on external free agents, they are prioritizing pass-rush help this offseason.
Tampa Bay’s Need for a Proven Edge Rusher
The Buccaneers’ interior defensive linemen performed well in 2024, with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey each recording seven or more sacks. However, standout edge rusher YaYa Diaby managed only 4.5 sacks over 17 games, which falls short of the impact the team desires from that position.
Mack, meanwhile, has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. He registered six sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery with the Los Angeles Chargers last season. In 2023, he put together a career-best performance with 17 sacks while playing alongside Joey Bosa.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Mack originally entered the league as a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016. That season, he racked up 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. After his time with the Raiders, he had productive stints with the Chicago Bears and Chargers.
How Mack Could Impact Tampa Bay’s Defense
Adding Mack to a defensive front that already includes Vea, Kancey, and Diaby could give the Buccaneers a much-needed boost in their pass rush. While Mack is best known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks, his 269-pound frame also makes him a formidable run defender.
In 2024, Tampa Bay generated consistent pressure, but it often came through one of the highest blitz rates in the league. This reliance on blitzing suggests that current edge rushers such as Diaby, Logan Hall, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Anthony Nelson struggled to win their one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles.
Challenges in Acquiring Mack
The Buccaneers’ salary cap situation poses a potential hurdle in signing Mack, as they may not have the financial flexibility to offer him a market-value contract. However, if they can make the numbers work, the veteran pass rusher could provide a major upgrade for their defense.
Alternatively, Tampa Bay may choose to address their pass-rushing needs through the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 19 overall pick. Potential draft targets include James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Mike Green, Shemar Stewart, and Nic Scourton.
Since their Super Bowl-winning season, the Buccaneers have lacked a dominant edge rusher like Shaq Barrett or Jason Pierre-Paul. If they manage to add a premier pass rusher—whether through free agency or the draft—it could significantly elevate their defense heading into the 2025 season.
