The Buccaneers continued to add experienced depth to their defense on Wednesday, signing ninth-year linebacker Anthony Walker, most recently of the Miami Dolphins.
In his lone season in Miami, Walker started eight of the 14 games in which he played and contributed 68 tackles, one interception, two passes defensed and one sack. He has also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns, logging a total of 99 games and 83 starts over eight seasons.
Walker first entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick by the Colts in the 2017 draft after playing his college football at Northwestern. He played four seasons in Indianapolis, three as a full-time starter, before signing with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent in 2021. After three seasons in Cleveland, in which he started 27 of the 28 games he played, he once again became an unrestricted free agent and moved on to Miami.
Over his first eight seasons, Walker has amassed 581 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, four interceptions, 21 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in regular-season play. He has also played in and started three postseason games, all with Indianapolis, adding 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Buccaneers recently re-signed starter Lavonte David for a 14th season but have lost linebacker K.J. Britt to free agency. Britt started 11 games last season. In addition, linebacker J.J. Russell, who made four starts, postseason included, is a free agent after he was not extended a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent.
View images of LB Anthony Walker Jr., the newest member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FILE - Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. defends during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. While awaiting word from Deshaun Watson, the Browns addressed needs by agreeing Wednesday, March 15, 2022, to terms on contracts with free agent linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and Pro Bowl returner Jakeem Grant, a person familiar with the deals told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/David Richard, File)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (4) defends during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. runs on the field during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. The Bears won 21-20. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (4) catches a football during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) drops back in coverage during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) scores a touchdown as Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) reacts and runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) looks up at the scoreboard during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 16-10. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) reacts and runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. participates in a drill during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) reacts and runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) warms up on the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)