Instead of leaving in free agency – either for a larger payday, a bigger role, or a team with a better projection to contend – outside linebacker Anthony Nelson chose to stay in Tampa Bay with the Bucs, signing a two-year, $10 million deal back in March. His decision stemmed from a belief in a roster that has been pegged to fall off by many outside of the building.

Whether or not they reach the heights of a Super Bowl this season, Nelson sounds like someone that wants to be a Buccaneer for the long haul. That means being a part of settling some unfinished business.

Anthony Nelson Believes in Bucs’ Vision

Anthony Nelson wants to help grow and build something with the team that selected him in the fourth round back in 2019. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Nelson explained why he decided to re-sign with the Bucs in the offseason when there were other suitors.

Bucs GM Jason Licht, CB Jamel Dean, and OLB Anthony Nelson. – Photo by: Matt Matera/PR

“I think just my belief in the coaches, the whole front office, and the vision they have for this team and the season,” Nelson said. “I just wanted to come back, especially since this is the place that gave me my first opportunity, and that drafted me.

“I felt like it was just unfinished business for me and this team, and I just want to be a part of it. That was the biggest reason for coming back.”

In Nelson’s four seasons in the NFL, he has been a part of three playoff rosters and already has a Super Bowl ring. What more unfinished business could he have?

“More wins, more division titles,” Nelson added. “That’s what it starts with this year. Obviously, the end goal is the Super Bowl, but we got to win the division first. We’ve got to get into the playoffs. That’s our main focus, and right now, it just comes down to getting better every day so we can make it happen when the season comes around.”

Bucs’ Defense “Really Humming” So Far, But Still Has Big Goals To Reach

To get back to the playoffs this season, the defense has goals of being even better. They were not “bad” by any means last year, but there is still room to improve. With an influx of rookies on defense filling in the gaps between established players such as Nelson, it has been an encouraging beginning.

Bucs OLBs Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In 2022, the defense ranked 13th in the league in points allowed at 21.1. That’s not good enough for Nelson, and while not allowing points is the end objective, there also needs to be more plays made on that side of the ball, whether they come from interceptions or sacks. That’s a mindset the secondary has also adopted.

“I would say those are two good places to start,” Nelson said. “Our goal is just total points – we want to be the best team in the league with not giving up points. In that, you need to be up there in turnovers, and you need to be up there in sacks. I’ve heard a number going around that we need 30-plus turnovers this year. That’s going to put us at the top of the league… we’ll have to be up there in sacks and turnovers.”

Anthony Nelson Impressed With Bucs Rookie OLBs

With how the Bucs’ rookie outside linebackers have played so far in training camp, there is reason to believe they can help contribute to both numbers. Both YaYa Diaby and Jose Ramirez have impressed, with Diaby, in particular, flashing his athleticism in drills and even diving to record an interception on a tipped Baker Mayfield pass on Monday.

Bucs co-defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers commented Tuesday on Diaby’s abilities and being right in the mix to get snaps.

For Ramirez, he spoke on the Pewter Report Podcast last month about his progress since being drafted and has also displayed an ability to get onto the field when the season starts to aid the pass rush. Nelson is excited about what each of them brings to the table.

“The first thing that has impressed me with those guys is how fast they picked up the playbook,” Anthony Nelson said. “Todd Bowles’ playbook is not easy to pick up. He’s a guy that has a lot of schemes; that’s why he’s so good as a coach. Being able to step in, handle that playbook, and really execute it at a high level is the first thing that stood out.

Bucs OLBs YaYa Diaby and Jose Ramirez – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“On top of both of them – they have a lot of physical ability that is going to translate; it’s been cool to see them adjust so far and get better. I know in two weeks, after a couple more padded practices, I’m going to see those guys really humming. I can see them being really good players for us.”

Even though Nelson is only 26, he is becoming one of the veterans on a team with plenty of young Bucs. With that comes a group that has not been a part of the team’s recent winning ways.

While that often leads to teams losing a high standard, Nelson does not see it that way. With so many defensive starters having been in their posts for a while, the rookies can be mentored and work on the small things that add up over time.

“I think you almost trick them into it, where, like I said, it’s the cliché, but it’s about being on them about how we practice, about getting better every day, it’s about the details,” Nelson said. “It’s one of those things where you’re so locked in on your job, you’re kind of just going through it every day, and you’re like, ‘I need to get better at this. I’m working on this fundamental, this technique,’ and then game weeks roll around.

“We have to focus on this for Week one, and then you look [and] it’s Week 17, you’re in the playoffs, and you’re rolling. So, I think it’s one of those things where you get them to focus on the small stuff, and hopefully, they look up at the end of the season, and we’re in a position to make something happen.”