Addition of Anthony Walker Jr.
Earlier in the week, the Buccaneers signed inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. off the Colts' practice squad to add depth. Walker Jr. spent the 2025 offseason and training camp with Tampa Bay after signing with the team as a free agent on March 19. Throughout his tenure, he has started 83-of-99 games in his career, splitting time between the Indianapolis Colts (2017-20), Cleveland Browns (2021-23), and the Miami Dolphins (2024), recording 571 career tackles (26 for loss), 21 passes defensed, nine quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Walker Jr. has started all three of his career postseason contests, logging 12 tackles (one for loss). He quickly triggers downhill and is effective at mitigating screens, in addition to covering backs/tight ends in man. The Bucs are currently "refreshing" Walker Jr. in practice this week, getting the inside linebacker up to speed.
"When Voss [SirVocea Dennis] got hurt, we felt we needed another guy that already knew the system," said Todd Bowles. "He has got veteran leadership. He is a very good run defender and he understands pass concepts very well in zone …It was only smart to bring him back and see if we can use him."
Familiar Face on the Edge
The Buccaneers signed Jason Pierre-Paul to their practice squad, bringing back a familiar face to bolster the pass rush. Pierre-Paul rejoins Tampa Bay after having spent the 2018–21 seasons with the club, during which he earned Pro Bowl honors and was a contributor to the team's Super Bowl LV Championship. Across his first stint with the Bucs, Pierre-Paul started 52-of-54 games he played in, amassing 171 tackles (35 for loss), 55 quarterback hits, 33.0 sacks, 14 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. His 33.0 sacks with Tampa Bay are tied for the 10th-most in club history.
Throughout his 14-year career, Pierre-Paul has appeared in 182 games between the New York Giants (2010–17), Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens (2022), New Orleans Saints (2023) and Miami Dolphins (2023), making 150 starts and totaling 622 tackles (127 for loss), 167 quarterback hits, 94.5 sacks, 66 passes defensed, 21 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and five interceptions. With outstanding range in pursuit, an advanced rush arsenal and anticipation, Pierre-Paul became a key force in the Bucs' defense. When asked if Pierre-Paul could be activated for the club's Week 16 game at Carolina, Head Coach Todd Bowles stated, "It is possible."
"He had a good day today and we will see how he progresses throughout the week," noted Bowles.
Young Corners Needed to Step Up
Starting cornerback Zyon McCollum was placed on injured reserve, thrusting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish into a potential rotational role on the outside to fill the vacancy opposite Jamel Dean. Parrish, who has primarily served as the team's nickel corner in certain packages, has played 616 snaps (70 %) and has amassed 55 total tackles, seven for loss, 2.0 sacks, three quarterback hits, an interception and four passes defensed. Parrish has hip fluidity in transition, short-area burst and closing speed to challenge the catch point. Morrison, who has played 199 snaps, has dealt with a hamstring injury that has derailed his time on the field. He is adept at challenging at the high point and has a natural feel in coverage. Morrison is proficient at mirroring routes early and getting in-phase to find the football downfield.
"Very high confidence in both of them," stated Bowles on Parrish and Morrison. "They are not rookies anymore. It is late in the season right now and both can play and they understand the system."
