The Buccaneers have signed linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. off the Colts practice squad, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Walker, a nine-year veteran who started his career with the Colts, has 581 tackles (362 solo), 5.5 sacks and four interceptions in 99 career games.
He was signed to the Colts practice squad on Sept. 1 as insurance at linebacker.
Veteran LB Had Best Season with Colts
Walker, 30, hadn’t appeared in any games with the Colts this season but is a former fifth-round pick whose most recent play came with the Dolphins in 2024. In 14 games, Walker recorded 68 tackles (34 solo), one sack and one interception.
He spent the previous three seasons with the Browns, appearing in 28 games with 27 starts.
His most productive season came in 2019 with Indianapolis, when he recorded 124 tackles (84 solo) and 2.5 sacks and an interception in 16 games.
Walker Could Play Important Role on Bucs’ Defense
Walker initially signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in March. However, he did not participate during training camp after landing on the NFI (non-football injury) list because of a lower-leg injury. In August, he was released with an injury designation.
Seemingly healthy again, Walker could soon play his way into an important role on the Tampa Bay defense.
SirVocea Dennis, a starter at inside linebacker, sat out the Buccaneers’ Week 15 loss to the Falcons with a hip injury. Veteran Deion Jones was pressed into a more important role in his absence, recording eight tackles.
The Falcons piled up 476 yards of total offense, led by a career performance from tight end Kyle Pitts, who had 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
Tampa Bay dropped to 7-7 but managed to stay atop the NFC South following the Panthers’ 20-17 loss to the Saints. The division rivals will meet in Weeks 16 and 18.
Buccaneers Steal Veteran 581-Tackle Linebacker from Colts