The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the season with a strong performance but concluded the season with a record of 8-9.
Last season is behind us. The Buccaneers need to focus on making progress moving forward.
Baker Mayfield serves as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is under contract through the 2029 season, having signed a three-year, $165 million extension.
Since joining the Buccaneers in 2023, Mayfield has accumulated 545 yards on third-down scrambles, surpassing the next-closest player, Patrick Mahomes, who has 399 yards. Additionally, his career third-down rush conversion rate of 63.6% is the second highest among qualified quarterbacks since his entry into the league in 2018.
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The offensive line, traditionally viewed as the team’s strength, is currently adjusting after experiencing several season-ending injuries. The recent additions of Reuben Bain Jr., Al-Quadin Muhammad, A’Shawn Robinson, Josiah Trotter, and Alex Anzalone have the potential to significantly enhance the front seven. The pass rush appears more aggressive, and the team may be more effective in defending the run.
The primary concern remains health-related. From quarterback Baker Mayfield, the offensive line, wide receivers, and running back to cornerback Benjamin Morrison, the Buccaneers are returning to a familiar pattern. Injuries significantly contributed to the team’s decline following a 6-2 start last season, and despite the return of some healthy players, the team was unable to establish consistency. Currently, they begin the season with Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan—two of their top three receivers—recovering from injuries.
With Mike Evans now in San Francisco, it is expected that Egbuka will become Mayfield’s primary target. Egbuka recorded four games with over 20 fantasy points during his rookie season. It would not be surprising if Egbuka finishes the season as a top-10 wide receiver.
Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. hasn’t reached 1,000 yards in the past two seasons combined because of injuries, but I could see it happening this season. Evans is gone, and I’m a little less bullish on Egbuka (who had just a 36 open score last year) than everyone else, especially with the second-year player currently banged up with a toe injury. That could leave plenty of volume for Godwin.
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