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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the NFL's most fascinating teams heading into the 2026 season.
Perhaps no team in the league has as wide a range of possible outcomes this year. At least, possible outcomes that wouldn't surprise many people.
If you're a glass-half-full kind of person, the Bucs have the talent to be one of the NFC's top teams in 2026. Several high-profile free agent signings and exciting rookies should boost a defense that didn't live up to expectations in 2025.
Tampa also has the benefit of playing in the NFC South, a division that had zero teams with a winning record last year. None of the Bucs' division rivals are expected to set the NFL on fire in 2026, meaning only nine or 10 wins could be good enough to finish on top this season.
The Bucs' offense should also have better luck with injuries in 2026. Last year, wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan all missed significant chunks of the season due to various injuries. Joining them on the sidelines was top running back Bucky Irving, who missed seven games, while four of their five starting offensive linemen each missed at least five. With better health, Tampa's o-line could be one of the best in the league.
If you lean glass-half-empty, there is a chance the issues that caused the epic 2-7 collapse last season will persist in 2026.
Tampa's defense not only disappointed last year, but their effort was nowhere near good enough. Head coach Todd Bowles admitted to the defense "taking plays off," while legendary linebacker Lavonte David was called out by his teammates for "loafing" on the field.
Bowles is squarely on the hot seat to start the upcoming campaign. A slow start could see him lose his job by the bye week.
The Bucs could also struggle to replace David, as well as Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean, who both departed in free agency.
If things go as planned and the Bucs play to their talent level, they could handily win the division and could go on a deep playoff run.
However, as they proved last year, things could go off the rails at any time. They may be in the market for a new HC by November and could fracture their relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield even sooner.
With seemingly endless possibilities in play, Tampa is a very difficult team to project in 2026.
They were recently ranked 22nd in offseason power rankings.
However, the Bucs fared better in a new set of NFL power rankings. Kris Knox of Bleacher Report ranked them 16th.
Like most people, Knox feels conflicted about the Bucs. He sees their potential, but also has concerns that they will not reach it. No matter how it turns out, Knox believes this will be a pivotal year for the Bucs.
"One way or another, 2026 is going to be a pivotal season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They looked like one of the top teams in the NFC early last season before a rash of significant injuries led to a late-season slide.
"Quarterback Baker Mayfield played like an early MVP candidate before injuries started to impact his performance, too.
"Mayfield started all 17 games last season. However, recently retired linebacker Lavonte David told The Arena podcast (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra) that the QB 'had a lot of injuries that you didn't expect a quarterback to play through.'
"Now, Mayfield is entering a contract year, and while the Bucs should be healthier, they'll also be moving forward without David and fellow franchise cornerstone Mike Evans.
"Tampa will have to stay healthy, adequately replace its departed stars, and get the good version of Mayfield to reclaim its spot atop the NFC South. If those things don't happen, we could see significant changes next offseason."
Until the Bucs give everyone a better idea of who they are this season, expect a wide range in their power rankings.
Right now, ranking them in the middle of the pack makes the most sense. However, the Bucs could either be ranked much higher or much lower by the time the season ends.
Another year of missing the postseason could force the Bucs into a rebuild for 2027. Tampa may be in the market for a new coach and a new quarterback after the season.
There is a lot on the line for the Bucs in 2026. How they respond will determine the team's path in the near future.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Perhaps no team in the league has as wide a range of possible outcomes this year. At least, possible outcomes that wouldn't surprise many people.
If you're a glass-half-full kind of person, the Bucs have the talent to be one of the NFC's top teams in 2026. Several high-profile free agent signings and exciting rookies should boost a defense that didn't live up to expectations in 2025.
Tampa also has the benefit of playing in the NFC South, a division that had zero teams with a winning record last year. None of the Bucs' division rivals are expected to set the NFL on fire in 2026, meaning only nine or 10 wins could be good enough to finish on top this season.
The Bucs' offense should also have better luck with injuries in 2026. Last year, wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan all missed significant chunks of the season due to various injuries. Joining them on the sidelines was top running back Bucky Irving, who missed seven games, while four of their five starting offensive linemen each missed at least five. With better health, Tampa's o-line could be one of the best in the league.
If you lean glass-half-empty, there is a chance the issues that caused the epic 2-7 collapse last season will persist in 2026.
Tampa's defense not only disappointed last year, but their effort was nowhere near good enough. Head coach Todd Bowles admitted to the defense "taking plays off," while legendary linebacker Lavonte David was called out by his teammates for "loafing" on the field.
Bowles is squarely on the hot seat to start the upcoming campaign. A slow start could see him lose his job by the bye week.
The Bucs could also struggle to replace David, as well as Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean, who both departed in free agency.
If things go as planned and the Bucs play to their talent level, they could handily win the division and could go on a deep playoff run.
However, as they proved last year, things could go off the rails at any time. They may be in the market for a new HC by November and could fracture their relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield even sooner.
With seemingly endless possibilities in play, Tampa is a very difficult team to project in 2026.
They were recently ranked 22nd in offseason power rankings.
However, the Bucs fared better in a new set of NFL power rankings. Kris Knox of Bleacher Report ranked them 16th.
How Does Knox Feel About The Bucs?
Like most people, Knox feels conflicted about the Bucs. He sees their potential, but also has concerns that they will not reach it. No matter how it turns out, Knox believes this will be a pivotal year for the Bucs.
"One way or another, 2026 is going to be a pivotal season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They looked like one of the top teams in the NFC early last season before a rash of significant injuries led to a late-season slide.
"Quarterback Baker Mayfield played like an early MVP candidate before injuries started to impact his performance, too.
"Mayfield started all 17 games last season. However, recently retired linebacker Lavonte David told The Arena podcast (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra) that the QB 'had a lot of injuries that you didn't expect a quarterback to play through.'
"Now, Mayfield is entering a contract year, and while the Bucs should be healthier, they'll also be moving forward without David and fellow franchise cornerstone Mike Evans.
"Tampa will have to stay healthy, adequately replace its departed stars, and get the good version of Mayfield to reclaim its spot atop the NFC South. If those things don't happen, we could see significant changes next offseason."
Final Thoughts
Until the Bucs give everyone a better idea of who they are this season, expect a wide range in their power rankings.
Right now, ranking them in the middle of the pack makes the most sense. However, the Bucs could either be ranked much higher or much lower by the time the season ends.
Another year of missing the postseason could force the Bucs into a rebuild for 2027. Tampa may be in the market for a new coach and a new quarterback after the season.
There is a lot on the line for the Bucs in 2026. How they respond will determine the team's path in the near future.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
