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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, with only a few days left before the beginning of another season. The team will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13, 2026 at the Paycor Stadium. The franchise has taken a lot of preparation and reinforced the team to have a good season, after the 2025 campaign turned out to be disappointing. Surprisingly, one new signing has already captured two significant roles. Bucs’ new signing Alex Anzalone named captain The Buccaneers signed Alex Anzalone in March 2026 to a two-year, $17 million contract as an unrestricted free agent from the Detroit Lions. Despite being a new addition to the team, he has already managed to become vital to the team as he has snapped up two leadership roles ahead of the 2026 season. His teammates have selected him as one of six team captains through a player vote. The group includes quarterback Baker Mayfield, tackle Tristan Wirfs, wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr., nose tackle Vita Vea, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the decision in a press conference, and said, “Anzalone came in and he kind of etched his name in stone that way, but there was a lot of guys that got votes. I mean, it was it was probably closer than has been in years.” Anzalone has significant experience, as he previously served as a captain in each of his five seasons with the Lions from 2021 to 2025. He fills a vacancy created by the retirement of longtime Buccaneers linebacker and captain Lavonte David, who held the role for 12 of his 14 seasons with the team. However, that was not the only major role Anzalone managed to get. Buccaneers’ new signing Alex Anzalone gets green dot duty Bowles also confirmed Anzalone will also wear the green dot, the helmet communicator that receives defensive play calls from the sideline. This responsibility requires constant communication to align the unit, particularly with safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith, and signals near-full-time defensive snaps barring injury. He said, “Well, he wanted the green dot, and he got that. And you know, having a green dot requires you to talk and communicate with everybody, so he’s done a great job communicating, especially with the safeties. Him and (Antoine) Winfield and Tykee (Smith) are on the same page, getting along with the defense in front, lining everybody up, and then just making plays with his ability. Obviously, everybody has a lot of respect for him, and he kind of just played his game and he worked his way into it.” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will depend on Alex Anzalone a lot as the new season approaches. More NFL News: - Buccaneers Beat Bears to Snap Up Chiefs ‘Very Good Gunner’ CB For Specific Role - Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Top Rookie Gets Promising Prediction for 2026 - Baker Mayfield Had Words For Teammate Who Defied The Odds Making The Buccaneers’ 53-Man Roster - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Announce Winner of 2026 Backup QB Battle