2025 NFL Yearbook: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A season preview of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS || NO.28 — BEARS || NO.27—RAIDERS || NO.26 — SEAHAWKS || NO.25—JAGUARS || NO.24—COWBOYS || NO.23—JETS || NO.22—GIANTS || NO.21—COLTS || NO.20—FALCONS || NO.19—DOLPHINS || NO.18—49ERS || NO.17—PATRIOTS || NO.16—CARDINALS || NO.15—STEELERS || NO.14—PACKERS || NO.13—BENGALS || NO.12—VIKINGS || NO.11—BRONCOS || NO.10—LIONS || NO.9—CHARGERS || NO.8—BUCCANEERS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

NFC SOUTH || 2024 RECORD: 10-7 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 8

TEAM BRASS

Owner: The Glazer Family || General Manager: Jason Licht || Head Coach: Todd Bowles || Offensive Coordinator: Josh Grizzard || Defensive Coordinator: Todd Bowles || Special Teams: Thomas McGaughey

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (27 of 32)

Treatment of Families: C- (25th) || Food / Dining Area: C- (28th) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B+ (16th) || Locker Room: C (21st) || Training Room: C+ (24th) || Training Staff: B (21st) || Weight Room: B (19th) || Strength Coaches: A (6th) || Team Travel: C- (26th) || Head Coach: B+ (23rd) || Ownership: D+ (27th)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked 27th, with their highest-rated categories attributed to people rather than physical facilities. When asked what the team does best, players consistently highlighted the support staff and strength coaches, who earned an A grade this year. The team improved its treatment of players' families grade from an F to a C-, likely due to the decision to stop charging players for daycare during games. However, several areas still need improvement. Players want better food quality and more variety in the cafeteria. Another major concern is locker room cleanliness—44% of players report ongoing plumbing issues, and persistent bad odors remain a problem.

OVERVIEW

While most teams build from the inside-out, Tampa Bay decided to focus upon the perimeter in this year’s draft. With Mike Evans set to turn 32 years old and Chris Godwin dealing with some injuries in recent seasons, the Bucs plucked another physical wideout in Emeka Egbuka. This trio could prove to be as good as any and Baker Mayfield is sure to benefit. On the defensive side, the team added some much needed cornerback help. In fact they doubled-down on corners and then edge rushers in the later rounds. One of the best general managers in the NFL, Jason Licht has a clear vision.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 393.2 (3rd) || Passing: 246.7 (4th) || Rushing: 146.5 (5th) || Points: 29.0 (4th) || Sacks: 40 (T-15th) || 3rd Down: 51.1% (1st)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 342.2 (19th) || Passing: 245.3 (30th) || Rushing: 96.9 (3rd) || Points Allowed: 22.7 (17th) || Sacks: 46 (T-6th) || Turnover Differential: -5 (T-20th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Mike Evans, Wide Receiver

2. Tristan Wirfs, Offensive Tackle

3. Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

4. Antoine Winfield Jr., Safety

5. Lavonte David, Linebacker

6. Hasson Reddick, Defensive End

7. Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver

8. Vita Vea, Defensive Tackle

9. Bucky Irving, Running Back

10. YaYa Diaby, Linebacker

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Bucky Irving, Running Back (22)

2. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver (22)

3. Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle (24)

4. Graham Barton, Center (23)

5. Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback (21)

6. Tykee Smith, Safety (24)

7. Jacob Parrish, Cornerback (21)

8. Jalen McMillan, Wide Receiver (23)

9. Tez Johnson, Wide Receiver (23)

10. Trey Palmer, Wide Receiver (24)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

No one ended last season on a high note more than Jalen McMillan. The third round pick was hampered for much of the first part of the season and was relegated to just 13 games of action but came on like a gangbuster down the stretch. In fact, he gathered 24 of his 37 receptions over the course of the final five games of the regular season and added seven touchdowns during that span. He clearly owns a nose for the end zone … Injuries have played a role in the hindrance of Calijah Kancey (photo: Tampa Bay Buccaneers) reaching his full potential. It’s remarkable the type of sack production (seven and a half sacks in 2024) he posted from the interior line position, despite missing six games on the year. A full bill of health could lead to a breakout double-digit sack season … On the backend, nickelback Tykee Smith emerged as one of the most impactful rookies during his first year in pewter uniform. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has since indicated that a move back to his original safety position could be in store for Smith, who has become one the more reliable defenders.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.19. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State — Look for the polished Egbuka to make an instant impact. As a refined route runner who plays with a physicality who will fit right in with Tampa, he should find quick success. (photo: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Rd.1 No.53. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame — A smooth corner when healthy, Morrison owns a high football IQ and prestige character but durability is a concern. However based on his size, film and athleticism, this was tremendous value.

Rd.3 No.84. Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State — The feisty, physical Parrish gives opposing wideouts fits due to his aggressive style and ability to jam them off their mark. He should slide into the nickelback role but will need to cut down his penalties.

Rd.4 No.121. David Walker, ER, Central Arkansas — Don’t put it past Walker to emerge as a bonafide edge presence. He fell due to Day 3 due to his small school pedigree and lack of measurables but he just finds away to make quarterbacks feel his wrath.

Rd.5 No.157. Elijah Roberts, ER, SMU — A hybrid player who owns pass-rush ability, Roberts leans on his power to win in the trenches, where he can play just about any spot along the defensive line, or stand up and play outside linebacker.

Rd.7. No.235. Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon — Why not use a late round pick to roll the dice on a pint-sized playmaker who packs explosive playmaking ability. While Johnson lacks prototype size and speed, he does know how to separate.

OVERALL IMPACT = 3 Average Impact

ADDITIONS

• P Riley Dixon (17/0; UFA Broncos; $6M/2 yrs, $3M gtd/$3M 2025 cap)

• T Charlie Heck (9/2; UFA 49ers; $1.57M/1 yr, $400K gtd/$1.57M 2025 cap)

• LB Haason Reddick (10/2; UFA Jets; $14M/1 yr, $12M gtd/$10M gtd RB/$13.176M 2025 cap)

• CB Kindle Vildor (17/2; UFA Lions; $1.337.5/1 yr, $1.197.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.187.5 2025 cap)

• LB Anthony Walker Jr. (14/8; UFA Dolphins; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $667.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

RE-SIGNINGS

• DL Eric Banks (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• G Ben Bredeson (potential UFA; $22M/3 yrs, $12.5M gtd/$5.5M gtd RB/$7.5M 2025 cap)

• LB Lavonte David (potential UFA; $9M gtd/1 yr, $5M SB/$5M 2025 cap/4 void years/$1M incentives)

• DL Greg Gaines (potential UFA; $3.5M/1 yr, $2.245M gtd RB/$3.5M 2025 cap)

• WR Chris Godwin (potential UFA; $66M/3 yrs, $44M gtd/$20.745M SB/$12.938M 2025 cap/$1.25M incentives plus $187,500 per playoff win/2 void years)

• CB Bryce Hall (UFA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• LB Anthony Nelson (potential UFA; $10M/2 yrs, $5.5M gtd/$4.33M gtd RB/$5.5M 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives)

• G Sua Opeta (UFA; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $67,500 gtd RB/$1.097.5M 2025 cap)

• WR Sterling Shepard (UFA; $1.75M/1 yr, $500K gtd/$1.75M 2025 cap)

• QB Kyle Trask (UFA; $2.787M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.337.5 2025 cap)

DEPARTURES

• LB K.J. Britt (14/11; UFA Dolphins; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $1.197.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• P Jack Browning (5/0; released)

• S Mike Edwards (8/2; UFA Chiefs; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $500K gtd/$167,500 RB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• C Robert Hainsey (17/1; UFA Jaguars; $21M/3 yrs, $10M fully gtd/$3M injury only fully gtd 5th day 2026 LY/$5.5M SB/$3.58M 2025 cap)

• G Royce Newman (1/0; UFA Cardinals; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $45K SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• T Justin Skule (17/5; UFA Vikings; $2M/1 yr, $750K gtd/$500K SB/$2M 2025 cap)

• DB Tavierre Thomas (17/0; UFA Vikings; $2M/1 yr, $1M gtd/$400K SB/$2M 2025 cap)

• LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (15/11; UFA Browns; $4.755M/1 yr, $4.69M gtd/$3.475M SB/$1.91M 2025 cap/4 void years)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

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