The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to put a disappointing 2025 season behind them, and CBS Sports believes the pieces are in place for a quick turnaround.
In a recent look at the best- and worst-case outcomes for every NFL team entering the 2026 season, Tyler Sullivan projected a scenario where Tampa Bay returns to the top of the NFC South after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Buccaneers finished 8-9 a year ago, ending both their five-year postseason streak and run of four consecutive division titles.
According to Sullivan, much of that rebound would be driven by the continued play of quarterback Baker Mayfield and the development of second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Despite the offseason departure of Mike Evans, Sullivan believes Tampa Bay’s passing attack can remain one of the strengths of the roster if Egbuka takes the next step after an encouraging rookie season. The former Ohio State receiver started his NFL career on a tear before cooling off later in the year, but the talent that made him a first-round pick was evident throughout the season.
Defensively, Sullivan pointed toward a pair of rookies as key pieces in Tampa Bay’s attempt to reclaim the division. First-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is expected to bolster a pass rush that lacked a consistent finisher last season, while linebacker Josiah Trotter joins a defense entering a new era following Lavonte David’s retirement. Both players could see meaningful snaps early as the Buccaneers work to improve a unit that struggled with consistency throughout 2025.
If Mayfield continues to play at a high level, Egbuka develops into the primary target the organization envisioned when it drafted him, and Tampa Bay’s rookie defenders contribute right away, the Buccaneers have enough talent to climb back to the top of the NFC South and return to the playoffs.
After an offseason filled with roster turnover and questions about the future, that is exactly the outcome Tampa Bay is hoping to achieve in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: CBS Sports lays out the best thing that could happen to the Bucs
