The Buccaneers continue to have an underrated roster, but there will still be spots up for grabs this summer.
Quarterback (2)
Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
There will be no change in the quarterback room after Kyle Trask was re-signed in March, and the team shouldn’t have a problem getting Michael Pratt and/or undrafted rookie Connor Bazelak on the practice squad.
Running back (3)
Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker
Bucky Irving is the featured guy, but Tampa Bay has a tremendous trio at running back with Rachaad White as a well-rounded and accomplished No. 2 and Sean Tucker shining when given the opportunity—so the position is already set ahead of training camp.
Wide receiver (6)
Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka (R), Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson (R), Sterling Shepard
Baker Mayfield will have no shortage of weapons once again, as the team brought back Chris Godwin and drafted Emeka Egbuka in Round 1. Second-year wideout Jalen McMillan should still see plenty of snaps after impressing as a rookie, and the final two spots will be a battle between seventh-rounder Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer. We were extremely high on Johnson coming out of Oregon despite his lack of size, and his return value could help him make the team.
Tight end (3)
Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham
Tight end has everyone back from last year with Cade Otton atop the depth chart after a breakout season, and Devin Culp—who made it last year as an undrafted free agent—gets left off this time with the Bucs perhaps using the roster spots elsewhere.
Offensive tackle (4)
Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Charlie Heck, Raiqwon O’Neal
Charlie Heck was signed to be the swing tackle behind Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, but don’t count out Raiqwon O’Neal from making the team after spending last year on the practice squad. The former UCLA standout could earn the backup job at left tackle with a strong summer.
Interior offensive line (6)
Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Sua Opeta, Jake Majors (R), Elijah Klein
The Bucs might not keep 10 offensive linemen, but the only new addition from last year is undrafted rookie Jake Majors—who profiles as the possible backup at center. The real battle might be between Majors and Raiqwon O’Neal for one spot, in which case we’d give the edge to O’Neal as someone who can kick inside to guard if needed.
Interior defensive line (6)
Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Elijah Roberts (R), C.J. Brewer
One of the most intriguing names to monitor this summer will be massive rookie Desmond Watson, but Tampa Bay has options inside—which could lead to him being stashed on the practice squad while he continues efforts to slim down. If that’s the case, it’s easy to imagine Watson being called up for the September matchup against the Eagles as “secret weapon” paired with Vita Vea to stop the Brotherly Shove.
Edge defender (5)
Haason Reddick, YaYa Diaby, Chris Braswell, Anthony Nelson, David Walker (R)
Haason Reddick showing up for mandatory minicamp ended any concerns about him not being bought in after signing a one-year deal with the Bucs—and he’ll hopefully teach some tricks to Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell, and rookie David Walker this season. Former sixth-round pick Jose Ramierz hasn’t made the team in either of his first two seasons, but maybe he can show enough to have Tampa Bay keep six options on the edge.
Linebacker (4)
Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, Anthony Walker, Deion Jones
Even after re-signing Lavonte David, linebacker was thought to be a position of need for the Bucs, but they’re relying on veterans with Anthony Walker (on his third team in three years) and Deion Jones (who signed to the practice squad in December) pushing for the starting job. Antonio Grier Jr. could make it to inject more youth into the group, but he might again bounce on and off the active roster from the practice squad.
Cornerback (6)
Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison (R), Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish (R), Kindle Vildor, Josh Hayes
Cornerback should go from a concern to a strength for the Bucs—as Benjamin Morrison was a home-run value at No. 53 overall and could have gone 40 spots earlier if healthy, and the team was also high on Jacob Parris after spending a third-round pick on him. The competition for the final one or two spots will come down to Kindle Vildor, Josh Hayes, Bryce Hall, and Tyrek Funderbunk; Vildor and Hayes get the edge as more natural fits to factor into the slot if needed.
Safety (5)
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, Christian Izien, Kaevon Merriweather, Shilo Sanders (R)
Indications are that Tyree Smith will be more of a traditional safety in Year 2, but he should still spend plenty of time in the slot—opening the door for Shilo Sanders to make it as the fifth safety. While the high-profile undrafted rookie didn’t have his best season to close his college career, he showed plenty of promise in 2023; and safety is a position where late-round picks and undrafted players often turn into long-time contributors.
Special teams (3)
Chase McLaughlin, Riley Dixon, Evan Deckers
Tampa Bay is carrying two kickers heading into training camp, but Chase McLaughlin is in no danger of losing out to rookie Ryan Coe. There also shouldn’t be much of a question at punter with Riley Dixon coming over from Denver with Jake Julien currently on the 90-man roster, and Evan Deckers is back as the long snapper.