Bucs Team Notes

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Check out the latest headlines regarding your Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs assistant coach rumored as candidate to join Saints staff

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a busy offseason when it comes to addressing needs and changes within their coaching staff. It started with Liam Coen leaving to become the Jaguars head coach, and from there, they have lost several assistants.

It is now rumored that another Bucs assistant coach may be rumored to be leaving the staff if he can secure a job with a division rival.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the potential hiring of George Edwards to the Saints during Super Bowl Week. The team is expected to hire Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their head coach following Super Bowl 59.

The NFL Insider writes, “Two names I’ve heard as possibilities at defensive coordinator are 49ers assistant coach Brandon Staley and Buccaneers outside linebackers coach George Edwards. Both have history with Moore — Staley hired Moore as his offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2023, and Moore overlapped with Edwards in Dallas.”

With the connection between the two, it makes sense that Edwards may find himself in a position for a promotion. If he does leave, Bowles has become well-versed in bringing on new, promising talent to his coaching staff over the years.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...ch-rumored-as-candidate-to-join-saints-staff/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Former Bucs quarterbacks takes first NFL coaching job with Detroit Lions

It is not uncommon for former NFL players to return to the league through the coaching ranks. This past week, the Detroit Lions hired a former Bucs quarterback as an offensive assistant.

Bruce Gradkowski, who was with the Bucs for two seasons after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, was hired by the Lions on Friday.

Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the hire for the Lions. Detroit coach Dan Campbell is known for hiring former players to build on his staff, and the approach has proven to be beyond fruitful for him and his players. The team lost several coordinators and assistants this offseason, many of which were former players.

Gradkowski joins the NFL after coaching the St. Louis Battlehawks as their offensive coordinator for two seasons. Apart from playing for the Bucs, he also notably played quarterback for the Steelers, Bengals, Raiders, and Browns.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...es-first-nfl-coaching-job-with-detroit-lions/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Super Bowl 59 showcases potential Bucs Free Agency targets

Super Bowl 59 was a showcase event for those who love the phrase “defense wins championships.” Never has a statement been more true than after seeing what the Eagles did to future Hall of Famer Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs offense.

The Eagles defense was dominant, but they are expected to be impacted by free agency as several key players are on expiring contracts.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could significantly enhance their defense by targeting free agents Zack Baun, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams. Each brings a unique skill set and impressive 2024 seasons that would bolster a Buccaneers’ defensive lineup that needs to inject more talent.

LB Zack Baun ​

In 2024, Baun delivered a standout performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He recorded 151 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks. His versatility as a linebacker, excelling in both coverage and pass-rushing situations, would provide the Buccaneers with a dynamic defensive asset. In Super Bowl 59, Baun had a diving interception and has been all over the field this season making plays.

OLB Josh Sweat​

Sweat has been a consistent and effective pass rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles. In the 2024 season, he accumulated eight sacks, 27 tackles, and two pass deflections. His ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks would address the Buccaneers’ need for a more formidable pass rush.

DL Milton Williams ​

Williams has demonstrated his potential as a defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles. In the 2024 season, he recorded five sacks, 11 solo tackles, and seven assists. His quickness off the ball and ability to shed blockers would add depth to the Buccaneers’ defensive line, enhancing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Who should the Bucs be all in on?​

If the Buccaneers were looking to add one Super Bowl champion to their roster, Josh Sweat would add a viable threat to rush the passer across from Yaya Diaby, who had 65 pressures this season. Sweat capped off his Super Bowl victory with a coming-out party, notching 2.5 sacks and nearly adding two more.

With Philly having quite a few free agents, Sweat may be a top target for Jason Licht

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/super-bowl-59-showcases-potential-bucs-free-agency-targets/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Where do the Bucs rank in ESPN's way-too-early 2025 power rankings?

Power rankings are always a topic for discussion, and hot off the Super Bowl coming to a close, we are already looking ahead to next season. ESPN published some way-too-early power rankings, and the Bucs are already in the thick of them as we turn the page to next year.

Jenna Laine of ESPN discussed within the rankings what the team needs to focus on this offseason to improve. She said it all boils down to improving the defense as this team takes the next step.

“With the offensive coordinator situation solidified (Josh Grizzard), the Bucs really need to shore up their defense. They’ve had only three double-digit sack edge rushers since 2005 and none since 2021. They also had only seven interceptions in 2024 after almost double that in 2024 (13). They gave up an average of 22.6 points in 2024. . .”

The defense is expected to be addressed heavily in the NFL draft as free agency may be tough to do so. The team is epxetced to only have $11 million in cap space and they have some holes to address.

Bringing back Lavonte David is one major domino, but they need a handful more to contend.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...k-in-espns-way-too-early-2025-power-rankings/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ricky White, WR, UNLV

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this wide receiver report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who will be around for a few more seasons. We are unsure if Chris Godwin will be part of the future, but the fans sure hope he is. Even if they bring back Godwin, the team needs some competition for Jalen McMillan and more depth. This year, more than ever, we have seen the need for depth at the position due to all the injuries they have had to overcome.

With that in mind, here is a wide receiver prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-ricky-white-wr-unlv/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

33rd team suggests new landing spots for vital Bucs free agent

Chris Godwin is going to be one of the most highly sought-after free agents when the new league year opens in March. He will be turning 30 next season but is coming off a season-ending injury; what does that mean for his next contract?

According to The 33rd Team, Chris Godwin could have himself being highly sought after by teams around the league.

Tyler Brooke gave five possible suitors for the Bucs veteran wide receiver: the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers. All of those teams need either a number one wide receiver or a complementary one.

The Patriots, Steelers, and Raiders all have needs for a bonafide number-one receiver. They all have options already with their teams but lack someone who can take over games and has 10+ targets a game.

Godwin showed in 2024 that he has plenty left in the tank as he was on pace for over 100 receptions and 1,000+ yards. The ankle injury will get a lot of attention, deservedly so, but if the Bucs lose out on him and he goes to one of these places and produces it will be a major loss for Jason Licht and the Bucs.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...-new-landing-spots-for-vital-bucs-free-agent/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft: Bucs trade back in latest PFF mock draft, get OL help

Pro Football Focus has provided the entire football world with more content and talking points than we could ever go through in a lifetime. Does that mean we grow tired of them or ignore them? Of course not.

PFF’s latest content was a mock draft that included trades, one of which involved the Bucs.

Trevor Sikemma of PFF published a post-Super Bowl mock draft in which he had the Bucs getting smarter with their strategy and gave the current roster makeup. Sikkema had the Bucs trading down with the Washington Commanders who traded up for an edge rusher.

While an edge rusher would be nice for the Bucs, the return from the Commanders, in this case, is a fine consolation prize. He projected the trade landing the Bucs their 2025 first-round pick (No. 29) and 2025 third-round pick (No. 75).

The Bucs selected Grey Zabel out of North Dakota State at 29. The former Bison played tackle in college but is now projected to move inside once he is drafted into the NFL.

That move worked out well for Bucs center Graham Barton, Zabel would be a guard alongside him and give the team a solidified interior offensive line to work between their tackles.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...de-back-in-latest-pff-mock-draft-get-ol-help/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

The Bucs re-signing Chris Godwin may be harder than initially thought

For good reason, Chris Godwin is a fan favorite in Tampa Bay for Bucs fans. He is great on the field for the team, helping them get a Super Bowl during his tenure, but he may be even better off the field. From his production for Baker Mayfield to his charity work int he community, Godwin is a player every team could use as a building block.

Bucs fans and the team may have to prepare for the possibility of losing Chris Godwin in free agency, though.

In their free agency primer, Spotrac published each team’s biggest free agency decision and player to monitor. They add a wrinkle that many people have overlooked when it comes to bringing him back to Tampa Bay: money.

“Godwin was on pace for another Godwin-like campaign in 2024 before an ankle injury derailed his season. Teams will have some pause when assessing the 28-year-old coming back from his second major injury, but a weak WR market will help sustain his ability to cash in. The former 3rd round pick carries a 3 year, $66M valuation in our system.”

With the team’s projected salary cap space at only $11 million, spending that much on Godwin would require other players to rework their deals or be cut altogether.

There are a lot of dominos left to fall in Tampa Bay this offseason.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...-godwin-may-be-harder-than-initially-thought/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The NFL Draft begins on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have drafted some young players like Tykee Smith and Zyon McCollum in recent years. Both have shown promise, but neither has emerged as a lockdown cornerback, as the team needs. Those are proving harder to find, so if they can’t, they need some depth at the position to give this group a better chance to succeed.

With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-benjamin-morrison-cb-notre-dame/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The NFL Draft begins on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have drafted some young players like Tykee Smith and Zyon McCollum in recent years. Both have shown promise, but neither has emerged as a lockdown cornerback, as the team needs. Those are proving harder to find, so if they can’t, they need some depth at the position to give this group a better chance to succeed.

With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-will-johnson-cb-michigan/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs 2024 NFL Draft class ranked among the best in the NFL

The 2024 NFL Draft class will be looked back on by the Bucs as a franchise and their fans as a pivotal moment. General manager Jason Licht hit several homeruns with his picks, and others have proved to contribute in one way or another.

NFL Media recognized the greatness of the Bucs’ 2024 draft class when they ranked the best classes from the last draft cycle.

Several key starters emerged for the Bucs from their class, such as Graham Barton, Bucky Irving, and Jalen McMillan. All three of those players only missed four games combined, and as a result, they emerged as the future of the team at their specific positions.

The defense also had a meaningful contributor in Tykee Smith. However, some players took a year off to seemingly develop.

Tight end Devin Culp, guard Elijah Klein, and linebacker Chris Braswell saw playing time, but no starts between the three of them. Free agency losses may affect those numbers for next year, but they are very much in limbo in terms of projecting their future.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/bucs-2024-nfl-draft-class-ranked-among-the-best-in-the-nfl/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs' Baker Mayfield finally gets respect in latest QB rankings

There is nothing that gets fans fired up more than seeing what others think of the starting quarterback. Sometimes, fans can be the most critical of them; sometimes, they defend them. Whenever the quarterback play is great, it makes things easier on them to talk about them.

NFL Media published their ranking of the 59 quarterbacks from the 2024 season, and Bucs fans will be happy to read it.

Baker Mayfield came in sixth among the 59 quarterbacks who started a game in 2024. His ranking after the 2023 season had him at 11th, so this was a good jump for the now-veteran quarterback.

Nick Shook wrote about Mayfield’s 2024 season saying, “Mayfield’s 2023 renaissance earned him a new contract, but also queued up the doubters who believed he had little chance of replicating such success. . .Boy, were they wrong. Mayfield outdid himself this season, resetting his previous career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. Those new marks look even more impressive when you consider he produced the bulk of his production without one or both of his top pass-catchers. . .”

Mayfield, coming off a career year, is going to have heightened expectations. He will have a new coordinator for the fourth straight year which may complicate things but not as much as losing Chris Godwin in free agency.

Overcoming obstacles is nothing new for Mayfield, though, or the Bucs. For now, enjoy the rest of the NFL world, recognizing your newfound franchise leader and his success.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...d-finally-gets-respect-in-latest-qb-rankings/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Offseason: 3 Bucs make CBS Sports' Top 100 free agents

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jason Licht are coming off a year where they were able to flex a rather complete roster that they put on the field. Licht aced free agency and then drafted one of the best draft classes of the year.

With all those successful roster moves, the Bucs now have several pivotal free agents who others are noticing and hope to lure away from the team.

CBS Sports published their list of the NFL’s top 100 free agents on Friday, with three Bucs making the cut. Two were players that we here at Bucs Wire have made it very clear are going to be critical for the team in Chris Godwin and Lavonte David. Godwin came in ranked 12th overall on the list with David coming in later at 62.

Ben Bredeson was one name that made the list and was ranked higher than David. The Bucs guard signed with the team on a one-year deal, and according to Pete Prisco, he played well enough to be ranked as the 32nd overall free agent for this upcoming offseason.

The team is likely to replace Bredeson, but they have made it clear how critical they see Godwin and David as a part of the team. Jason Licht will have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks.

Ideally, he brings back all of these players, but it may prove to be tougher than expected.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...n-3-bucs-make-cbs-sports-top-100-free-agents/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs could lose a pivotal offensive lineman in free agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have quietly built one of the more deep and stable offensive line groups in the NFL. Whether it be through the draft or free agency, they have had a lot of hits on players they have targeted.

One of those players who has played well when given a chance may soon be leaving for a chance on his own to play meaningful snaps.

Bucs center and versatile offensive lineman Robert Hainsey is set to be a free agent this year. After being the team’s starting center in 2023 before being replaced by first-round pick Graham Barton.

Barton has looked the part while Hainsey was left filling in for Barton when he missed time with a concussion. With a starting role seemingly gone, Hainsey enters free agency with some renewed hope for a longterm home.

Speaking on his free agencym, Bucs’ offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was on The Pivot Podcast and discussed his teammate’s ability and what may be next for him.

“He started the past two years, ended up not being the starter [this year]. We drafted Graham Barton. He came in. But Hainsey, he took it – it was tough for him at first. But him being a veteran now. Teaching Graham the ropes. Teaching him the way. And now Hainsey is going to be a free agent. He’s going to go play somewhere.”

The center position is not very deep in the NFL draft this year, with so many players being projected to move to the position rather than being a natural with them. Hainsey should be set for a big payday as well as a starting role in 2025.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/bucs-could-lose-a-pivotal-offensive-lineman-in-free-agency/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

ESPN sees the Bucs as a fit for Browns star defensive player

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some key areas and positions to address this offseason. The defense will be the center of those talks as the team looks to improve its pass coverage ability, whether through the secondary or a more reliable pass rush.

Bill Barnwell of ESPN acknowledged that the team has some obstacles to overcome. While an edge rusher isn’t a massive need, the idea of adding an All-Pro pass rusher shouldn’t be overlooked.

“. . .edge rusher isn’t a real point of weakness. Todd Bowles’ defense also generates so much of its pressure with blitzes, so Garrett might mean more for a team that rushes four and relies on the defensive line to get home. The Bucs are a competitive team that could justify seeing Garrett as the guy who can take them to the next level, however, and playing in an income tax-free state could make Garrett millions of dollars over this next contract.”

The Bucs’ pass rush is close. Missing on Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has hurt their development, but players continue to grow. Yaya Diaby is ready for a breakout in 2025 with him getting healthy. Vita Vea still generates pressure up the middle, and Calijah Kancey may have taken the next step needed as well.

Adding Garrett to that group, though, would put the entire defense among the top groups in the NFL. If you are Bucs general manager Jason Licht, it may be time to get aggressive.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...cs-as-a-fit-for-browns-star-defensive-player/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Tristan Wirfs almost was drafted by another team in the 2020 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is always a monumental moment for every team in the league. It allows teams and their fans to have renewed hope in their franchise and shapes the future of everyone on and around the team.

According to a recent interview between a former Browns coach and a reporter, fate was looking out for the Bucs during the 2020 NFL Draft.

During the interview with SB Nation’s Dawgs by Nature, when asked if running back Nick Chubb could bounce back from his injury, former Browns running back coach Stump Mitchell said he believed he did. While answering, he actually hinted that the Bucs almost missed out on their now-keystone keystone Tristan Wirfs.

“. . .There is no question Nick can do, but those guys up front you are depending upon them in the passing game as well as the run game. You know Coach (Bill) Callahan ranted and raved about tackle Tristan Wirfs who was there when we picked. But we didn’t pick him and took Jedrick Wills instead. Wirfs has been a Pro Bowler since Day 1 plus has a Super Bowl ring.”

The 2020 NFL Draft is always talked about for the impact it has had on the league in regard to the quarterbacks it gave. The offensive tackle class, though, has shaped the league just as much by giving it Wirfs, Wills, Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton, and Austin Jackson in round one.

While Wirfs has been the best of the group, with Thomas behind him, the others have either left their original team or are on the brink of leaving.

Turns out the Bucs were very fortunate the Browns front office had other plans compared to their coaching staff.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2025/...rafted-by-another-team-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have drafted some young players like Tykee Smith and Zyon McCollum in recent years. Both have shown promise, but neither has emerged as a lockdown cornerback, as the team needs. Those are proving harder to find, so if they can’t, they need some depth at the position to give this group a better chance to succeed.

With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-quincy-riley-cb-louisville/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have drafted some young players like Tykee Smith and Zyon McCollum in recent years. Both have shown promise, but neither has emerged as a lockdown cornerback, as the team needs. Those are proving harder to find, so if they can’t, they need some depth at the position to give this group a better chance to succeed.

With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-tommi-hill-cb-nebraska/

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaylin Smith, CB, USC

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.

In the case of this cornerback report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.

The Bucs have drafted some young players like Tykee Smith and Zyon McCollum in recent years. Both have shown promise, but neither has emerged as a lockdown cornerback, as the team needs. Those are proving harder to find, so if they can’t, they need some depth at the position to give this group a better chance to succeed.

With that in mind, here is a cornerback prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.

Source: https://bucswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jaylin-smith-cb-usc/