The Bucs have finished dead last in the league in run defense in two of the past three seasons. In between (2010), they ranked 28th.
First-year head coach Greg Schiano plans to change that. The Buccaneers are transitioning away from former coach Raheem Morris’ soft defense, and finding a run-stuffing middle linebacker appears to be near the top of the team’s offseason priorities.
Citing a source, FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez wrote on Twitter Tuesday morning that the Bucs are expected to “make a strong push” for free agent linebacker Curtis Lofton.
Incumbent middle linebacker Mason Foster is better suited to play outside, and the 6-foot, 242-pound Lofton would add a thumping presence on the interior. Lofton is the No. 20 overall player on PFT’s Hot 100 Free Agent list.