The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew this offseason would mark the end of an era. Franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David both moved on, leaving behind massive holes in the locker room and on the field after serving as the faces of the organization for more than a decade. While many expected the departures to send Tampa Bay tumbling down the NFC South standings, one national outlet believes the Buccaneers are far from the division’s weakest team.
Bleacher Report recently predicted the last-place finisher in every NFL division entering the 2026 season, and the Buccaneers weren’t the team selected in the NFC South. Instead, the Atlanta Falcons were projected to finish at the bottom of the division, signaling confidence that Tampa Bay has enough talent to remain competitive despite losing two franchise legends.
General manager Jason Licht has spent the past several seasons building a roster capable of sustaining success instead of entering a lengthy rebuild whenever veteran stars depart. That approach will be tested this season, but the foundation remains in place. Baker Mayfield is coming off another productive yet turbulent-at-times season and still has one of the league’s better offensive lines protecting him, led by All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. On the outside, second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected to take on a much larger role following Mike Evans’ departure, while Chris Godwin Jr provides a proven veteran presence in the receiving corps.
Defensively, Todd Bowles still has plenty of talent to work with. Vita Vea remains one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles, Antoine Winfield Jr. continues to anchor the secondary, and the additions of Alex Anzalone and first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. should help soften the loss of Lavonte David while adding more playmaking ability to the front seven. There are certainly questions surrounding the Buccaneers as they enter a new chapter without two of the greatest players in franchise history. Replacing Evans’ production and David’s leadership won’t happen overnight.
However, Tampa Bay’s roster still features enough proven veterans and ascending young talent to compete in the NFC South. If Bleacher Report’s projection is any indication, the Buccaneers may be transitioning into a new era, but that doesn’t mean they’re headed for the bottom of the division.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs projected to avoid disaster despite losing franchise legends
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