During a recent appearance on a podcast with former Buccaneer Ronde Barber, Bowles highlighted Rozeboom as an underrated contributor. He praised Rozeboom’s intelligence, reliability, and toughness, noting that while there are other solid linebackers on the roster, Rozeboom’s performance before his injury put him in a favorable position.
“Christian Rozeboom has been hurt, but he is an outstanding football player,” Bowles said. “He is a very good football player. And believe me, that’s not to take anything away from Alex Anzalone, Josiah Trotter, or SirVocea Dennis, but Roseboom, before he got hurt, he was like Johnny On The Spot every day.”
Bowles emphasized Rozeboom’s situational awareness and physicality. He described Rozeboom as a versatile, instinctive player who often makes the right read, tracks down plays that develop on the edge, and remains effective in pass coverage. According to Bowles, Rozeboom’s grit and football IQ make him a difficult sit for the coaching staff to justify keeping off the field.
Rozeboom signed a one-year, $1.55 million contract in the offseason and is currently slated as the fourth linebacker on the depth chart. The Buccaneers have a strong starter in Alex Anzalone, who joined the team on a two-year, $17 million deal in free agency. Anzalone’s presence suggests the team values experience and production at the outside spots. Josiah Trotter, a second-round rookie, is another talented option who is expected to contribute once he’s ready.
This competition, along with SirVocea Dennis, who started 17 games for the Bucs last season, makes Rozeboom’s path to significant playing time more challenging. Bowles said Rozeboom will be in the mix, but with several players ahead of him, it may be tough to carve out a large role early in the season.
Rozeboom’s journey to the Buccaneers began as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. He spent his rookie year with both the Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs before sticking with the Rams in 2022, contributing on special teams. In 2023, he started five games, and in 2024 he started 11 games. He moved to the Panthers in 2025, starting all 17 games and playing in the playoffs. Across 2024 and 2025, Rozeboom registered 135 tackles and 124 tackles, respectively, underscoring his consistency as a run-and-tackler who can contribute when healthy.
As Rozeboom returns from his injury, it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff integrates him into the defensive scheme. The Buccaneers will likely ease him back into action, potentially missing a game or two before fully reintroducing him to the rotation.
Overall, Rozeboom brings smart, tough, and dependable playmaking to the room. His ability to be in the right position and make plays is a valuable asset, especially in a defense that relies on versatile linebackers who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. While the competition at linebacker is fierce, Rozeboom’s blend of intelligence, athleticism, and grit gives him a real shot to reclaim a meaningful role as soon as he is healthy.
