Tampa Bay has retooled in the offseason, as Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht has added significant assets in free agency and in the draft. The retooled roster has the spotlight on the Bucs that need to produce in 2026. Let’s take a look at the Buccaneers under pressure: Eight players that need to shine.
Buccaneers Under Pressure: Eight Players Need to Shine in 2026
Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
Mayfield is the undeniable leader of this team, the heart and soul. Tampa struck it rich when they signed Mayfield in 2023, after Tom Brady retired. Mayfield flopped in Cleveland, and after he resurrected his career with the Panthers and Rams, he cemented his status as a franchise quarterback in Tampa. Expectations are now even higher, though, as many holes in the roster have seemingly been filled by Licht. Mayfield has a solid offensive line, a top-tier running back in Bucky Irving, and a solid group of receivers. A rebuilt defense will take the pressure off Mayfield. Now, he just needs to play like a top-ten quarterback, and the Buccaneers will return to the playoffs.
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht isn't worried about rushing an extension with QB Baker Mayfield:
"I foresee when it does happen that we're doing this at the dive bar" 😂@Buccaneers | @bakermayfield | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/SEuqWB79Aq
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 7, 2026
Emeke Egbuka, Wide Receiver
Mike Evans is gone, signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Fellow wideout Chris Godwin Jr. has struggled with injuries in his career. Egbuka will need to play like a Tier 1 wideout, which will open things up in the running game for Bucky Irving. Emeke’s ability to stretch defenses will also pay off for tight end Cade Otton and Godwin. If Egbuka nets at least 90 receptions, 1000 yards receiving, and at least 10 touchdowns, the Buccaneers will be a playoff team.
Which WR is taking the biggest leap in year two? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LTXiUfYaYU
— NFL (@NFL) May 9, 2026
Roster Strengthened Through Free Agency
Alex Anzalone, Linebacker
Tampa Bay had glaring needs at linebacker, and Anzalone was signed to be in charge of the defense. 2 years and $17 million better generate results, though. Look for Anzalone to become a fan favorite in training camp and return toughness to the Bucs’ defense.
New #Bucs LB Alex Anzalone says #Lions HC Dan Campbell wanted him back in Detroit, but ultimately the contract the organization offered didn’t reflect that. https://t.co/aebJtdRsaT pic.twitter.com/927TZ8Ej4k
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 10, 2026
A’Shawn Robinson
A salary cap casualty signing from the Carolina Panthers, Robinson is penciled in as the starter at right defensive end for the Buccaneers. He is playing for his fifth pro team since entering the league in 2016. Robinson should benefit from teams needing to double-team nose tackle Veta Vea, and hopefully Rueben Bain Jr. as well. Taking on double teams himself and occupying blockers is what Robinson needs to do to enable the rebuilt linebacker group to take over.
Bucky Irving, Running Back
Shoulder and foot injuries sidelined Irving in 2025, who picked up just 588 rushing yards. Tampa signed Kenneth Gainwell from the Pittsburgh Steelers to generate some competition at running back, but also to help in the kick return game. Tampa is counting on Irving to return to form, and if he does, this offense will shine. If Irving struggles, Tampa will need to look for another contributor in the backfield.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles said at the NFL annual meeting that RB Bucky Irving is the starter.
Bucky is 1A and Kenneth Gainwell is 1B.
He thinks it'll be a great 1-2 punch.
Bowles also wouldn't have any problem using Gainwell on special teams as a returner. pic.twitter.com/UggFd9DoXF
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) March 31, 2026
Tristan Wirfs, Offensive Tackle
Wirfs is the type of offensive tackle scouts dream of. Elite pass blocker and road grader in the running game. Baker Mayfield thrives under pressure, but that largely depends on Wirfs’ ability to shut down top pass rushers coming from Mayfield’s blind side. If Wirfs is healthy and plays with the All-Pro ability he has, this offense thrives.
This is NFL offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, 6’5”, 322 lbs… jumping out of a pool cleanly… pic.twitter.com/rnpBPO2Gtz
— Dudes Posting Their W’s (@DudespostingWs) May 4, 2026
Tampa Bay’s 2026 Draft Loaded With Talent On Defense
Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain Jr. fell out of the top 10 after many projected his selection near the top of this year’s draft. Two factors played into Bain’s fall: much shorter arms(30 ⅞”) than teams like at Edge/outside linebacker, and character concerns due to his involvement in a fatal car accident in 2024. Bain was considered a top-five talent at the end of the 2025 college season, yet he fell to Tampa Bay at pick 15. Bain will enter training camp with a chip on his shoulder, and his play will make everyone on defense better if he proves he is a bona fide star. Bain will prove that fourteen NFL teams made a mistake in the first round.
Veteran Returning At Full Strength
Chris Godwin Jr.
In addition to Irving, the Bucs are relying on another veteran talent returning at full strength. Chris Godwin Jr. has struggled to stay on the field the last two seasons. 16 games and 83 receptions in two seasons is a big disappointment. His talent is unquestioned, his durability is. If Godwin Jr. stays healthy all season, reasonable numbers of 80 receptions and 8-10 touchdowns are easily in reach. If Godwin returns to 1,000 receiving yards, a mark he reached four times in his career, this team likely wins the NFC South.
