With the 2026 season virtually on the horizon, the Buccaneers have a number of expertise but additionally some potential query marks with that expertise. As all the time, there are gamers who might be counted on day in and day trip to carry out however generally some seasons simply imply extra to sure gamers. This upcoming season isn’t any totally different so let’s check out some gamers which have one thing to show when the season kicks off.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield
This one is a layup, however it must be talked about regardless due to how necessary Mayfield is to the group. Merely put, Mayfield was not ok within the second half of the season. There have been many causes for the Bucs late collapse which resulted in lacking the playoffs, however Mayfield was actually part of the problems. Accuracy issues, choice making and simply the general play of Tampa Bay’s sign caller actually fell off, and he must get again on monitor for the group to make noise within the postseason as soon as once more.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 05: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a 3rd quarter landing towards the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Discipline on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Picture by Olivia Vanni/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
All of that is with out mentioning the elephant within the room which is that Mayfield could very properly be enjoying for a brand new contract. He’s set to develop into an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season and has said publicly that there has not been a lot progress made on that entrance. If Mayfield and the Bucs can not come to an settlement earlier than the deadline Mayfield has set, which is the beginning of coaching camp, then Mayfield must show he’s not solely worthy of being the long run man for the Bucs, however he’s somebody who ought to be incomes prime of the road quarterback cash.
That begins with a powerful 2026. Mayfield has a golden alternative to not solely win a number of soccer video games but additionally make some huge cash within the meantime.
Large Receiver Chris Godwin
Godwin has been a terrific Buccaneer for his complete profession, and he confirmed flashes of brilliance in 2025, however it was additionally a 12 months marred by accidents after he suffered a season ending ankle harm mid-way by the 2024 season. Godwin returned to Tampa in 2025 with a brand-new deal however coming off of that main harm was no straightforward process after which he ended up getting banged up a number of separate occasions through the season.
Can Godwin nonetheless be a top-of-the-line receiver? Nicely, he’s actually going to get the possibility to show it. With Mike Evans departing this offseason in free company, Godwin turns into the veteran of that receiver room and can have a a lot larger position in 2026. For Godwin, 2026 is an opportunity to point out that he nonetheless has it and that it simply took him a 12 months to get again to type following the 2024 harm. With Evans now not there, your complete receiver room might want to step up however a number of eyes can be on Godwin, who has develop into an enormous piece in Zac Robinson’s offense.
Bucs nook Zyon McCollum is somebody in want of a recharge from the 2025 season. After having a extremely strong 2024 marketing campaign, Tampa Bay rewarded McCollum with a 3 12 months, 48-million-dollar contract simply days earlier than the 2025 season began. McCollum had a fairly inconsistent season and was not the 48 million {dollars} nook the Bucs had been hoping he’d be. There have been truly occasions this previous season the place it appeared like opposing offenses had been even concentrating on McCollum, the Rams sport coming to thoughts.
This Bucs protection has undergone a number of adjustments this offseason and considered one of them is Jamel Dean leaving in free company. Tampa Bay has put some religion of their cornerback room and proper now, McCollum is the highest man. He doesn’t should be a real primary nook, however he must be lots higher in 2026 or else that contract goes to proceed to look worse and worse. McCollum has a ton of potential and bodily instruments, and he has proven each of these in his time as a starter, however he’ll want a bounce again 12 months this season.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles survived final season’s collapse and was retained by Tampa Bay to enter a fifth season. Regardless of that, it’s secure to say that Bowles enters 2026 on the new seat. Will the Bucs hearth Bowles mid-season if issues don’t begin properly? I wouldn’t depend on it. The Glazers have by no means fired a head coach mid-season, and I don’t imagine Bowles can be the primary. Nonetheless, if the outcomes aren’t there, it’s fairly straightforward to ascertain the Bucs making a change after the season.
The Bucs have a brand-new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson that they’re hoping can be an improve over Josh Grizzard and a protection that has seen a number of adjustments. Lavonte David retired, Jamel Dean left in free company. Each of these guys have been staples of Bowles’ protection for so long as he’s been in Tampa. With the additions on protection of A’shawn Robinson, Al Quadin-Muhammad, Alex Anzalone and Reuben Bain Jr amongst others, will probably be on Bowles to make it work and enhance his defensive unit as a result of it merely wasn’t ok in 2025.
Bowles has lots to show in 2026. There must be progress and a return to the playoffs, probably even a playoff win. If not, I don’t know if Bowles survives one other season.
