Christian Rozeboom Joins Buccaneers After Departing Panthers

The move keeps Rozeboom in the NFC South. He led the Carolina Panthers in tackles last season when he had 122.

Linebacker Christian Rozeboom has officially found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after parting ways with the Carolina Panthers. The move marks a fresh opportunity for Rozeboom to continue developing his role and contribute to a defense looking to stay competitive in the upcoming season.

Rozeboom, known for his work ethic and versatility, spent his time with the Panthers building valuable experience on both defense and special teams. While he wasn’t always a headline starter, his consistency and ability to adapt made him a reliable depth option. His departure from Carolina comes as part of roster adjustments aimed at reshaping the team’s defensive unit.

For the Buccaneers, adding Rozeboom strengthens their linebacker depth. Tampa Bay has been focused on maintaining a balanced and aggressive defense, and Rozeboom’s skill set aligns well with that vision. His ability to read plays, contribute in coverage, and support on special teams gives the Buccaneers added flexibility.

This move could also present Rozeboom with a bigger role. With the right opportunities, he may see increased snaps and a chance to prove himself as more than just a rotational player. Training camp and preseason performances will likely determine how prominently he fits into the Buccaneers’ plans.

He is the second member of the defending NFC South-champion Panthers’ defense to join the division rival Bucs this offseason. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson signed with the Buccaneers earlier this month after the Panthers released him.

The Panthers signed Rozeboom to a one-year, $2.5 million deal last March to add experienced starting depth to the defense. He played a much bigger role because of injuries and the release of Josey Jewell due to lingering concussion injuries. He ended up starting 15 games.

Rozeboom, 29, was solid as a run stopper but not reliable as a pass defender, ranking in the lower tier for linebackers. That hurt Carolina in a few close games as it made a playoff push.

Undrafted out of South Dakota State, Rozeboom spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before signing with Carolina, appearing in 60 games (16 starts).

ESPN’s David Newton contributed to his report.