Bucs general manager Jason Licht didn’t make the “big move” this past offseason, but rather used the resources at his disposal to make several free agent acquisitions and re-signings across all three phases. Licht’s strategy appeared misguided based on the first four games of the 2026 season, in which Tampa Bay went winless and performed like one of the worst teams in the NFL.

But on Thursday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, some of those free agent headliners finally showed up. The Bucs defeated the Cowboys on the road in Week 5, 24-16, to finally get into the win column. Linebacker Alex Anzalone, special teams ace Miles Killebrew, and tight end Cade Otton played key roles in Tampa Bay pulling off the upset in Jerry World.

And if you want to count him in as well, undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels played a clean game for the Bucs under center in place of the injured Baker Mayfield.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Anzalone came down with a diving interception of quarterback Dak Prescott with 1:22 remaining in the fourth quarter to ice the game. Killebrew stripped wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and forced a fumble recovered by the Bucs midway through the third quarter. Otton was effective both as a pass-catcher and as a blocker in the run game.

Those are the quick highlights from Thursday night, but let’s examine in full the overall performance of Licht’s key free agency moves now five games into the season. While those mentioned above made plays Thursday, representing a step in the right direction, there’s no doubt that Tampa Bay needs more moving forward. We only have a five-game sample size on these players, so by no means are we writing the book on them just yet. It’s a long season, and things can change in a hurry.

Bucs Free Agency Acquisitions: Offense Edition

Grading Cade Otton: C

Let’s start with Otton, a player whom Jason Licht wanted to retain the moment free agency opened up. He did, inking the 27-year-old tight end to a three-year, $30 million extension. While Otton had already become a polarizing player within Bucs nation for his inconsistent and lack of high-end play, the tape showed a very capable player who made strides year after year, especially as a blocker.

But there’s no way to spin it, he had a miserable start to the 2026 season. Otton, both with and without gloves on, dropped passes he shouldn’t have for a $10 million tight end. He got blown up as a blocker on more than one occasion. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson treated Otton as the No. 1 target in the offense and he failed to deliver, though I would classify that more as a Robinson issue in not understanding the strengths of his personnel.

In Dallas, Otton shined. He hauled in three passes for 25 yards, but was the key to running back Bucky Irving ripping off a 72-yard run that led to a score the very next play. Just watch No. 88 below go full beast mode and make a phenomenal effort to take two Cowboys defenders, allowing Irving to get moving into space.

Grading Kenny Gainwell: C-

Otton’s game taking off would be huge for Tampa Bay. There’s another offensive player we’re still waiting to see turn a corner this season, and that’s running back Kenny Gainwell. The 27-year-old was an interesting add for the Bucs, coming off a career season which saw him accumulate over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Signed for $14 million across two years to replace Rachaad White, I saw a world where Gainwell could be the Bucs’ leading pass-catcher in 2026 in an offense which favors the short passing game.

Bucs RB Kenny Gainwell – Photo by: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So far, Gainwell has just 11 receptions for 54 yards and a score, to go along with 44 yards on 17 carries. Not all of that is on him, to be fair, but there’s certainly more to Gainwell as a player when he’s being utilized correctly. It’s up to Robinson to put him in those advantageous spots to become a playmaker in this offense, something we haven’t seen just yet.

Bucs Free Agency Acquisitions: Defense/Special Teams Edition

Grading A’Shawn Robinson: A

Defense was the side of the ball Jason Licht did the most work on during the offseason, adding both in free agency and through the draft. Of all the moves Licht made in free agency, the best of the bunch so far has been defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. The “ass-kicker” continues to bring it in a Bucs uniform, playing arguably the best ball of his career at now 31 years of age.

Robinson has been one of the best run defenders in the league in 2026, ranking second in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Taking it a step further, PFF has Robinson as the No. 1 overall defensive lineman in football entering Week 5. Oh, and he even has an interception. At $10 million, Robinson has actually been a steal when you take into account what he does on the field, as well as off it, where he is one of Tampa Bay’s vocal leaders. Hats off to Licht here – his best free agent pickup in 2026.

Grading Alex Anzalone: D

We now move to Anzalone, signed to a two-year, $17 million deal to replace the retired Lavonte David. Anzalone was never going to be David at his peak, but what about an upgrade on the David we saw in his final season? That was a guarantee, right?

Uh, wrong, at least if you count just the first two games of the season. From an athletic standpoint, I had major concerns that the 32-year-old was shot completely after watching him struggle to make simple tackles in Cincinnati and at home against Cleveland. I doubted the overall scheme fit in the offseason and while he’s actually been a little better in three games since, it’s still not good enough for what head coach Todd Bowles asks of his linebackers.

In fact, PFF has Anzalone 73rd of 74 linebackers in the NFL. The interception in Dallas was a nice play; the Bucs still need far better from Anzalone on a down-to-down basis – I’m not so sure it’ll happen, unfortunately.

Grading Al-Quadin Muhammad: B

Anzalone was one of two former Lions to sign with the Bucs this offseason. The other was outside linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad, a 31-year-old journeyman who had a career-high 11.0 sacks playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson in 2025. Licht got him on the cheap, just $6 million over one year.

Bucs ILB Alex Anzalone and OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Muhammad is still looking for his first sack in Tampa Bay, though it’s been tough sledding for outside linebackers and defensive linemen on this team with opposing quarterbacks getting the ball out quick against Bowles’ defense. The Bucs have just six sacks and only three of those have come from outside linebackers (David Walker, 2, Anthony Nelson, 1).

Muhammad, however, has played the run well, has four pressures, and I’d say he’s been more noticeable than Yaya Diaby or Reuben Bain Jr. For now, I’ll classify Muhammad, especially on that contract, as a quality signing for Jason Licht that could pay off even more as the season continues.

Grading Miles Killebrew: A-

Let’s finish up with safety Miles Killebrew. A two-time Pro Bowler and 2023 first-team All-Pro selection as a special teamer, Killebrew came into 2026 looking to rebound from a season-ending knee injury the year prior. There was no guarantee Killebrew would be back at his best but thankfully for Tampa Bay, it’s panned out so far.

The punt returned for a touchdown against Minnesota aside, the Bucs’ special teams have been much improved in 2026 under Danny Smith. Killebrew has been a big part of that, making five tackles and, as mentioned above, forcing his first fumble since 2017. For $1.8 million, a big time move by Jason Licht.