Anthony Nelson

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		107	212	21.5	1
2025		15	38	3.0	1
2024		17	40	4.0	0
2023		16

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Buccaneers handed out a slight overpay to retain Anthony Nelson, whose C- CVI reflects a contract that exceeds his on-field impact. At $5M per year, Tampa Bay is paying above-average linebacker money for what amounts to a depth piece — Nelson's production tier suggests he's more of a rotational player than someone who should command this level of investment. The 27-year-old linebacker is entering his prime years, but his ceiling appears limited based on his current output, making this deal more about familiarity than upside. The contract structure does offer some protection with only $5.5M guaranteed across two years, allowing Tampa Bay to move on after 2024 if Nelson doesn't elevate his play. This feels like a case of the Buccaneers prioritizing continuity over value, paying a premium to keep a known commodity rather than exploring cheaper alternatives in free agency or the draft.

Performance Analysis

Anthony Nelson pulls an F for the Buccaneers at linebacker, a grade that signals a player whose role has diminished significantly in Tampa Bay's defense. Nelson was once a useful rotational edge rusher, but his production has fallen off a cliff. He is not generating pressure as a pass rusher, and his run defense has been pedestrian at best. The Buccaneers have younger options who are pushing Nelson off the depth chart. At this stage, he is a veteran body in the room more than an impactful contributor on the field. Tampa Bay's defense has moved on, even if Nelson is still technically on the roster.