Today is April 1, 2026, and the NFL landscape has seen some significant movements recently. One of the most notable decisions came from linebacker DeAngelo Malone, who has opted to return to the Atlanta Falcons instead of signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This decision follows a visit to the Buccaneers, where many fans hoped he might help address their struggling special teams unit.
Malone signed a one-year contract with the Falcons, a team with which he has already made a name for himself. In his previous three years with Atlanta, Malone played 111 defensive snaps and an impressive 912 special teams snaps, racking up 25 tackles on special teams alone. His performance in college at Western Kentucky University was nothing short of stellar, earning him recognition as a three-time All-Conference USA player and a two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and 2021. In his last college season, he recorded 99 tackles, 21 tackles for loss (TFL), 11.5 sacks, and 16 QB hurries, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses.
Buccaneers’ Special Teams Struggles
The Buccaneers have been grappling with one of the NFL’s weakest special teams units in 2025. Malone’s versatility as both an edge rusher and an inside linebacker could have provided a much-needed boost as the Buccaneers work to redefine their team identity, especially with veteran Lavonte David set to retire after 14 seasons. Malone’s skills could have been instrumental in helping Tampa Bay tackle these challenges.
Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft (82nd overall) by the Falcons, Malone was praised for his speed and versatility, though he still has room to improve in technique. His ability to perform in multiple roles would have made him a valuable asset for the Buccaneers as they search for a new direction at the inside linebacker position.
Looking Ahead
As the Buccaneers continue to search for solutions to their special teams woes and look to fill the void left by David’s retirement, Malone’s decision to stay with the Falcons leaves them in a tight spot. It raises questions about their strategy going forward and how they plan to rebuild their roster to compete effectively in the coming seasons. The Buccaneers will need to be proactive in addressing their needs if they hope to turn things around in 2026.
For more details on Malone’s decision and its implications for both teams, you can check out the full article on Heavy Sports here.