The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must strengthen their pass rush in 2025 following an inconsistent performance in 2024. While they recorded at least 46.0 sacks for the fifth consecutive season, the fact that over half came from the defensive line highlights a key issue.
The team’s edge rushers struggled to meet expectations in bringing down the quarterback. Head coach Todd Bowles specifically pointed out Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s shortcomings at the NFL Combine, and while YaYa Diaby generated a high number of pressures, he too struggled to finish plays.
Adding to the concern is Chris Braswell’s slow development and Anthony Nelson’s limited upside, making it clear that Tampa Bay needs a significant upgrade at the position. This is especially pressing as both Tryon-Shoyinka and Nelson are set to hit free agency.
To address the issue, reports indicate that the Buccaneers are interested in signing former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack. Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo confirmed this after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that league insiders are linking Mack to Tampa Bay.
Mack Could Help, But Only at the Right Price
While Mack brings experience, I’m not convinced he’s the right move for Tampa Bay. He turns 34 this season and isn’t a long-term solution—possibly not even a multi-year one. His 6.0 regular-season sacks in 2024 were underwhelming, and his 12.5% pressure rate against true pass sets was only average.
Mack is currently projected to command a two-year deal worth $22.5 million annually, according to salary cap experts Josh Queipo, Kyle DeDeminicantanio, and Pro Football Focus. That price tag is far too high given his age and 2024 production.
Looking at the numbers, Mack ranked 31st out of 35 qualifying edge rushers in pass rush productivity (7.6% in true pass sets), while Diaby posted 11.5% and Nelson had 8.1%. With both outperforming Mack last season, it’s hard to justify paying him top dollar.
At a projected $22.5 million per year—making him the NFL’s 10th-highest-paid edge rusher—the Bucs would be better off using that money to strengthen other areas like cornerback, safety, linebacker, or even wide receiver or guard. While Mack could provide valuable snaps, he would need to deliver elite production to justify that price tag. Anything above $15 million per year is simply too much.
Rather than overpaying for a player in the twilight of his career whose recent production doesn’t match his salary, the Bucs should be cautious. Signing Mack at his projected cost looks more like a risky investment than a solution to their pass rush woes.
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