Bucs' ‘Biggest Bust’ Predicted for 2026

Being labeled a "bust" is one of the harshest criticisms an NFL player can receive.

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Usually, the term refers to a high draft pick who doesn't work out. But, as Moe Moton of Bleacher Report notes, a bust can also be an expensive free agent who doesn't meet his high expectations, or even a veteran who comes up short when his career depends on it.

Every team will likely have someone who fits into one of those categories in 2026. Moton chooses who each team's "biggest bust" will be this season.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he selects linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who is facing a pivotal training camp and upcoming season to prove he should remain a Buc.

Dennis Could Lose His Starting Role, Or Worse

Dennis became a full-time starter for the first time in his career in 2025. The results were mixed. Dennis had what looks like a solid stat line, recording 101 tackles, three sacks, and an interception, but struggled badly in coverage.

Tampa's entire defense disappointed last season, and the team made several moves to try to strengthen it over the offseason. With all the new additions, Moton believes that Dennis is in danger of losing his starting role. If he doesn't have a good showing in training camp, Dennis may become the victim of a numbers game for his roster spot.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a concerted effort to upgrade their linebacker unit. They signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom and then selected Josiah Trotter in the second round of the draft.

"Anzalone has started in 93 career games in nine seasons. Over the last two years, Rozeboom made 26 starts. Trotter comes to Tampa Bay oozing with potential, logging 176 tackles (17 for loss), 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups and an interception in his last two collegiate terms.

"With those additions, SirVocea Dennis could lose one of the starting inside linebacker jobs before Week 1. As a first-time full-time starter in 2025, he logged 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks, five pass breakups and an interception but allowed a 122 passer rating in coverage.

"Anzalone has been an above-average pass defender for most of his career. Rozeboom is decent in that regard and could get the edge over Dennis for a three-down role until Trotter is ready to crack the starting lineup."

Not only did the Bucs bring in Trotter, Anzalone, and Rozebloom, but they also drafted Rueben Bain Jr., who looks to be the future of Tampa's defense. They will also be returning last year's fourth-round pick, David Walker, who is healthy after a devastating knee injury robbed him of his rookie season. The Bucs also signed Anzalone's former teammate with the Detroit Lions, Al-Quadin Muhammad, in free agency.

All of a sudden, Tampa is loaded with edge rushers and linebackers, which could be bad news for Dennis.

Final Thoughts

Dennis is going to need to up his game if he wants any chance of a future in Tampa.

While losing his starting position may be a foregone conclusion, Dennis may find his roster in jeopardy as well.

He has the talent to be an important player for an NFL defense, but his career in Tampa is on the line.

Will Dennis step up and keep his job, or is Moton correct that he will be a bust in 2026?

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