The Buccaneers are set to make a pair of defensive additions. A one-year deal is in place with linebacker Anthony Walker, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The same is also true of cornerback Kindle Vildor, per his agents (via Schefter). 
Walker played out his rookie contract with the Colts, serving as a full-time starter from his second year onwards. The former fifth-rounder spent the next three seasons in Cleveland, operating as a key defender when healthy. Walker missed time during all three of his Browns campaigns, including the 2022 season in which he was limited to only three games.
That hindered the Northwestern product’s value in free agency last spring, and he took a one-year pact with the Dolphins. Walker made eight starts in Miami, collecting an interception and a sack. The Dolphins still have Jordyn Brooks in place at the linebacker spot, though, and the re-signing of Tyrel Dodson has been followed up by the addition of K.J. Britt. Walker will aim to replace the latter in Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers worked out another one-year deal which will keep Lavonte David in place for a 14th season with the team. Walker will look to operate as a first-team defender alongside him, a role he has become familiar with over the course of his career. The 29-year-old has 83 starts to his name, and adding to that total would help his market value in 2026.
Vildor’s pact qualifies for the veteran salary benefit, Greg Auman of Fox Sports notes. As a result, the former Bear, Titan and Lion is set to earn $1.17MM in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $1.03MM. Vildor, 27, is a veteran of 68 games and 26 starts in his career, and he will be able to provide the Bucs with a rotational presence in the secondary or at least veteran special teams contributions.
