PFF has a grade on the Bucs free agent moves so far in 2026

TAMPA — When the NFL’s negotiating window opened in March, many around One Buc Place expected fireworks at edge rusher. Instead, the Buccaneers lit a carefully placed series of camp-fire style signings, a method that has drawn a B grade from Pro Football Focus in its comprehensive audit of every team’s 2026 free-agency haul.

PFF’s evaluation slots Tampa Bay in the middle of the league-wide pack, praising the franchise for avoiding the first-wave sticker shock that has crippled cap sheets in recent seasons. League analysts note that the richest deals signed within the first 48 hours of free agency historically return the least value per dollar, a pitfall the Bucs largely sidestepped.

Rather than courting a marquee pass rusher, general manager Jason Licht pivoted to a value-first script. The club re-upped tight end Cade Otton, imported linebacker Alex Anzalone—lauded by PFF for his diagnostic skills in coverage—and paired second-year back Bucky Irving with veteran Kenneth Gainwell after the departure of Rachaad White to Washington. Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is former Detroit edge defender Al-Quadin Muhammad, whose 11-sack 2025 campaign came at a comparatively modest $6 million price tag.

The restrained approach did not escape critique. PFF’s report highlights that Tampa Bay still lacks a proven, top-tier edge presence, a void that has persisted despite multiple draft investments. That unresolved need prevented the grade from climbing into the A range.

Still, the site commends the organization for preserving future flexibility and targeting scheme-specific fits. With the draft and additional cap maneuvering ahead, the Buccaneers retain avenues to further bolster their pass rush. For now, the B mark reflects a front office that prioritized fiscal discipline and roster depth over splashy headlines—an outcome that, while perhaps underwhelming to fans craving an instant difference-maker, positions the team to continue building sustainably.