Even though Tampa Bay has failed to advance to the championship round in the four seasons since their last Super Bowl victory in 2020, they have won four consecutive division titles including three straight under third-year Head Coach Todd Bowles.
But naturally, not everything has been sunshine and rainbows.
Especially following a confusing contractual situation with their former offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. Whoever is to blame, General Manager Jason Licht has still proven to me to be one of the most underrated at his profession and continuously demonstrates he’s capable of handling team transition very well. But introducing a third new coordinator to the Baker Mayfield-led offense could be quite tricky.
Luckily, Licht has been a shrewd draftnik, and with plenty of key home-grown players on board during the best five-year run in franchise history, it made perfect sense to hire within and elevate passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard to the new post.
Offense
Mayfield has become one of the leagues’ better quarterbacks, surpassing career-highs during both seasons here including a 71.4 completion percentage in 2024 along with 41 TD passes and 4,500 yards passing. He also scrambled his way for a career-high 378 rush yards while making remarkable plays with his legs to keep drives alive. The next step to become a potential MVP candidate is to cut down on his turnovers.
Mayfield is stocked with talented skill position players starting with receiver Mike Evans, who enjoyed his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season in his 11 years as a pro following a dramatic last second reception in Week 18. Joining Evans after re-signing with the team in March is Chris Godwin, who took a considerable pay cut to remain here. Godwin, a chain-mover, was well on his way to a fifth 1,000-yard season in six years when he dislocated his ankle in Week 7. The two vets now have a young pup to groom after Jalen McMillan proved himself worthy during his rookie season. The third-round pick broke out over the final five games with seven touchdowns and his continued growth should do wonders for the passing game. Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller and Trey Palmer are three additional youngsters who add long-term potential to the unit.
The tight end room took a big jump in 2024 thanks to Cade Otton, who earned career-highs in receptions (59), yards (600) and average per catch (10.2), all while suffering through a career-low in games played with 14. The rest of the group includes three recent late-round draft picks that provide promising depth.
The future of the running game is strong after rookie Bucky Irving rushed for over 1,000 yards. Both Irving and 2023 leading rusher Rachaad White are also excellent receivers. Even Sean Tucker appears to have a bright future after rushing for 308 yards along with a hefty 6.2 average.
For the Bucs to take that next step on offense though, their linemen must continue to show the kind of development we witnessed in 2024 led by All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Licht appears to have hit well over the last three drafts with center Graham Barton in 2024, guard Cody Mauch in 2023 and Luke Goedeke in 2022. Depth can be a problem after the team lost swing tackle Justin Skule and backup center Robert Hainsey. Free agent Charlie Heck will replace Skule and they hope to get Sua Opeta back in good health after tearing his ACL in July.
Defense
While the Bucs have made significant improvements on offense, the defense has not followed suit the past two seasons with most of the trouble coming through the air. Needing to apply more pressure without utilizing the blitz, the team signed Haason Reddick in the hope that his one dreadful season in New York was just that…one dreadful season. Fellow edge-rusher Yaya Diaby looks like he’s ready to break out and the team is high on their second-round pick from 2024, Chris Braswell.
In the secondary, injuries are a big reason for the trouble they can get themselves in, as their top two defensive backs, cornerback Jamel Dean and star safety Antone Winfield Jr., need to stay on the field more. When everyone is healthy though, the secondary is actually pretty solid thanks to Licht’s ability to snag later-round talent (Zyon McCollum was taken in round five) in drafts as well as after them (safety Christian Izien was signed after the draft). McCollum broke out last season with 17 passes defensed and another young corner, rookie Tykee Smith, played better than your average rookie, demonstrating good instincts and excellent ball skills while forcing a handful of turnovers in the process. But depth is definitely a problem, especially when good health is something you cannot count on. So, expect the team to think long and hard about using their top draft pick on a defensive back, including a potential future No. 1 corner.
At linebacker, Lavonte David just keeps showing up and producing after 13 seasons here. That’s fortunate because after SirVocea Dennis injured his shoulder in Week 4 and was lost for the season, the team did not have adequate depth to fill his shoes. And even though the Bucs like the potential of Dennis, he still needs to produce for an entire season which is why they signed Anthony Walker for insurance. Either way, this is another key position the team could address early in this year’s draft.
One area on defense that looks like it could be ready for a strong 2025 is up front on the defensive line. That’s because nose tackle Vita Vea continues to play at a high level and younger linemen like Logan Hall and Calijah Kancey have shown they both have the ability to be more productive moving forward. What this line does need though is one more young player to work into the rotation. Greg Gaines has not performed as well as he did with the Rams, but the team re-signed him needing his experience. UFA William Gholston has played 12 seasons with Tampa Bay and will decide whether to either play a 13th season or retire. It’s possible the team is waiting until after the draft to help him make that decision.
Special Teams
Place-kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the best in the league since joining Tampa Bay in 2023, but the punting game was a problem. After going through three punters last season, the team signed Riley Dixon from Denver. Dixon will be a big upgrade after ranking in the top 10 last season in net average and punting inside the 20.
Bottom Line
If the Bucs can become a top 10 defense again, not only will they win another NFC South crown, but this time they will compete with the league’s best as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
For more Tampa Bay Buccaneers news, check out James five days a week on the LockedOnBucs Podcast.
