The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a significant change in the middle of their defense this offseason, bringing in veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone following the retirement of Lavonte David. Anzalone is expected to take over the weakside “Mo” linebacker role in Todd Bowles’ defense, giving Tampa Bay an experienced presence in a revamped room.
But where does he stack up against the rest of the NFL?
PFF’s Bradley Locker recently ranked the league’s top linebackers, placing Anzalone at No. 28. Locker’s rankings considered both recent production and a player’s overall body of work, with an emphasis on linebackers who can contribute against both the run and pass.
Anzalone has certainly been dependable. He played at least 680 snaps in each of his five seasons with Detroit, though his best overall PFF grade during that stretch was a 69.8 in 2023. Perhaps more encouraging is his recent value, as Anzalone ranks 24th among linebackers in PFF WAR over the past three seasons.
For Tampa Bay, No. 28 feels about right.
The Bucs did not necessarily need Anzalone to arrive and immediately become one of the NFL’s elite linebackers. They needed a reliable veteran who could stabilize the position, take on coverage responsibilities, and provide leadership alongside a younger group. He has already taken on a mentorship role with second-round rookie Josiah Trotter, who could start next to him.
Anzalone may not fully replace what David gave Tampa Bay for so many years, but he doesn't have to. If he provides steady play while Trotter develops, the Buccaneers should be in a much better position at linebacker in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Where does PFF rank Alex Anzalone among other LBs in the NFL?