The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Tuesday the signing of Canadian defensive lineman Lwal Uguak to a reserve/futures contract. Lwal Uguak appeared in the college football National Championships with Texas Christian in 2022 and won the Grey Cup with the Montreal Alouettes in 2023.

DL Lwal Uguak – Texas Christian (26 y/o, 6’5, 271 lbs)

Lwal Uguak played his first 3 seasons of college ball for Connecticut where he played in 34 games with 23 starts from 2018 to 2021 (the program did not play in 2020 due to covid). At Connecticut, he compiled 31 solo tackles, 38 assisted tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 passes defended, and a forced fumble.

Uguak played his final season of NCAA at Texas Christian in 2022 where he played in a rotational role in 14 games. At TCU he contributed 4 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, and a fumble recovery. TCU beat Michigan in the College Football Playoffs to advance to the National Championship which was won by Georgia in 2022.

Following his collegiate career Uguak attended rookie minicamps with the New york Giants and Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted in the first round of the CFL draft by the Montreal Alouettes 7th overall.

He played in every game for Montreal over the 2023 season which ended with the Alouettes winning the Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Uguak was listed as a 2nd string defensive end for the first 12 regular season games before being elevated to first-string defensive end for the final 6 regular season games and all 3 playoff games.

Uguak contributed 17 tackles, 5 passes defended, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble over the regular season with Montreal. He emerged as a star late in the season as he racked up 4 sacks over the final 5 games of the season. Over the 3 playoff games, he made 11 tackles, and 3 passes defended. By my count, he also made 8 run-stops, 6 QB hurries, and 2 run-stop assists.

Uguak was my choice for the most impactful defensive lineman in the Grey Cup as he made 4 run stops, 2 QB hurries, and a run stop assist in addition to his 5 tackles. In the third quarter he got by West Division All-Star tackle Stanley Bryant with a swim move to stop Brady Oliveira in his tracks who was the Most Oustanding Canadian in 2023.

What Uguak brings to Tampa

Lwal Uguak has exemplified himself as an effective run-stopper and pass-rusher who already has experience playing on some very big stages. The Buccaneers did not have a good grade in run defense from Pro Football Focus ranked 28th in that category. They were ranked 18th in pass rushing by PFF. 

If Uguak is able to make the jump to the NFL level and continue playing at a similarly high level then Buccaneers fans will enjoy watching their team add a great quality player for a bargain given he is signing on a reserve/futures deal. Out of the 6 defensive linemen on the Buccaneers’ depth chart, Currently, the 3 starting defensive linemen listed on the Buccaneers’ depth chart are signed through 2026 while the 3 second-string defensive linemen are not under contract.

(buccaneers.com)

(sportrac.com)

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