Buccaneers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option on Calijah Kancey

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up the fifth-year option on the contract of defensive lineman Calijah Kancey on Monday, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Kancey will now be under contract through the 2027 season and will make $14.475 million next year. The 25-year-old was the team's first-round pick (19th overall) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh. The Bucs still believe in Kancey, even though he played in only three games in 2025 due to a pectoral injury that he originally suffered in Week 2. In his first two years in the league, Kancey registered 54 tackles (41 solo), 11.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 29 QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 26 starts. According to Next Gen Stats, he has 66 QB pressures in 29 career games. Kancey's statistics for IDP fantasy leagues don't exactly stand out at first glance, but he's definitely been a disruptor on the defensive line for Tampa when he's been healthy. The Bucs defense will be in a much better spot in 2026 if Kancey can stay on the field in his fourth year in the NFL.

Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith