Calijah Kancey: Everything you need to know

The Buccaneers exercised the fifth-year option on Kancey's contract Monday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. Kancey was sidelined for most of the 2025 season due to a pectoral injury he suffered in Week 2, but the defensive tackle's output has been more than satisfactory for the Buccaneers to justify spending the $14.475 million required to retain him through 2027. The 2023 first-round pick has accumulated 54 tackles (41 solo), including 11.5 sacks, through 29 career regular-season games thus far. With the team selecting linebacker Rueben Bain in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bucs will be acquiring an influx of talent on the defensive line that should only increase Kancey's potential for production this season.

Kancey (pectoral) is active for Saturday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports. Kancey is set to play in his first game since the Buccaneers' Week 2 win over the Texans, where the defensive end suffered a pectoral injury. The 24-year-old should suit up for rotational snaps with the defensive line behind starters Elijah Roberts and Logan Hall. Kancey logged 7.5 sacks over 12 regular-season games last year, and his return should provide additional depth to the Buccaneers' pass rush.

The Buccaneers are activating Kancey (pectoral) from injured reserve to play in Sunday's game against Carolina. Kancey returned to practice last week and logged his first full session this Thursday. He's been on injured reserve since Week 2, but the Bucs don't have the luxury of easing him into action. Kancey figures to play as many snaps as he can handle with Tampa Bay's season on the line.