Returning home, Alex Anzalone brings elite pass-rushing skills and family pride to the Buccaneers, eager to fit Todd Bowles' blitz-heavy scheme.
Amidst the mystery surrounding Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend linebacker Lavonte David, general manager Jason Licht brought in nine-year NFL veteran Alex Anzalone.
Anzalone agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with the Bucs on Monday, ending a five-year tenure with the Detroit Lions. The Athletic's Daniel Popper graded the deal as an A+ acquisition for Tampa, crediting his versatility and ability to get to the quarterback.
"Anzalone is fast, flexible and fluid. He is slippery when evading blockers, especially as a blitzer," Popper wrote. "His 29 percent pressure rate ranked second among linebackers, according to TruMedia. Anzalone is also a versatile coverage player."
The former standout Florida Gator made his first media appearance as a Buc Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by his infant son Cooper in the front row.
"Go dada," Cooper said.
Anzalone began his presser with a sentimental note about returning home, talking about how special this moment is for his entire family.
"Happy to be here, guys. You know, it's a unique opportunity for us as a family. You know, this is our home. We feel passionate about this city, this organization now," Anzalone said.
He added that this was his first opportunity to have his family in attendance for his signing conference, adding that this homecoming is for more than just him.
Anzalone's wife Lindsey was a standout soccer player at Florida, while Anzalone's father practices medicine in Naples.
Anzalone and his wife also married in Tampa.
Besides Anzalone's ties to Florida, he is "excited" to play under head coach Todd Bowles, while adding that he feels he will "fit like a glove" into the Bucs scheme.
As previously mentioned, Anzalone is one of the top pressure linebackers in the NFL, which should fit seamlessly with a Bowles defense that has ranked within the top-five in blitz rate over the past few seasons.
Anzalone brings a veteran leadership to a Bucs defense that struggled to get off the field in big moments last season, emphasizing his focus on playing the game "the right way."
"I've been a captain in this league... I just, you know, try to do my best to be a great teammate. Lead by example..." Anzalone said. "I feel like that's that's how you garner the respect of your teammates and you know, that rubs off on other teammates too. So that's really how I go about my business and just being a pro and you know, it's got me this far so far."
Anzalone returns to the NFC South after spending four seasons (2017-2020) with the team who drafted him, the New Orleans Saints.
Should David return, he and Anzalone would form an impressive duo in Tampa's defense. It would be one of versatility and experience.
However, Anzalone said he respects David's decision "either way," calling him a Hall of Famer and praising him for a "great career."
He also said he has not had any communication with David yet.
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