The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to make significant changes to their defense in 2025, regardless of how the 2024 season unfolds.

According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, one player who could be a key part of this defensive overhaul is veteran Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky. Holder suggests that Cominsky could provide an affordable option to bolster the Bucs’ run defense.

Cominsky, who signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Lions in March 2023, suffered a season-ending MCL tear during training camp in July 2024.

While his injury status will need to be assessed before he can sign a new deal, Cominsky should be healthy by the start of the 2025 season.

His performance in 2023 was strong enough to attract interest from other teams in free agency.

At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Cominsky was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (No. 135 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

After three seasons with Atlanta, he was released and then signed by the Lions in May 2022. In Detroit, Cominsky has experienced the best seasons of his career.

Over the last two years, he started 19 games, recorded 66 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, 7 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. His standout 2023 campaign included 11 starts, helping the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.

The Buccaneers have faced significant defensive struggles in head coach Todd Bowles’ third season.

After ranking 10th in total defense in 2022, Tampa Bay dropped to 23rd in 2023 and has further fallen to 28th in 2024, allowing 380.5 yards per game.

One area where the Buccaneers have shown some competence is in run defense, where they currently rank 11th in the NFL, allowing 115.2 rushing yards per game through 13 games.

This success is largely attributed to strong performances from interior defensive linemen like Vita Vea and 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey.

Cominsky, if healthy, could be a valuable addition to the Buccaneers’ defensive front.

He would likely come at a relatively low cost, around a one-year, $2 million contract, which fits within the Buccaneers’ projected $24.5 million salary cap space for 2025, according to Over the Cap.

Adding Cominsky would allow Tampa Bay to focus their limited free agency resources on addressing more urgent needs, particularly at cornerback, where they have significant depth issues.

Mike Luciano of The Pewter Plank suggested that the Buccaneers may prioritize defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially using their first three picks on defensive talent.

Bowles’ inability to develop pass rushers like Logan Hall and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has diminished the team’s ability to pressure the quarterback, while the lack of depth in the secondary continues to be a growing concern.

In conclusion, Cominsky’s addition to the Buccaneers would be a cost-effective way to strengthen the team’s defensive line, particularly in defending the run.

His solid track record as a run defender would complement players like Vea and Kancey, who are more effective as pass-rushers.

Given the limited salary cap space the Buccaneers are projected to have, signing Cominsky would allow the team to address other pressing needs, including upgrading their coverage in the secondary.

Furthermore, with Bowles’ struggles to develop pass rushers and the team’s secondary issues, the Bucs will likely look to the draft for reinforcements, potentially focusing on defense with their early picks.

This would be an important offseason for the Buccaneers as they look to rebuild their defense and prepare for the 2025 season.