The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2026 offensive depth chart has taken shape as the team prepares for OTAs, with Mike Evans’ departure marking a significant shift in personnel and strategy. The core of the offense remains intact, but changes at key positions signal a focus on continuity and depth. The team’s front office and coaching staff have emphasized overcoming last season’s injury-plagued performance, positioning the 2026 squad as a direct continuation of the 2025 unit, save for Evans’ exit to the 49ers.
Quarterback Stability and Backup Depth Amid Contract Uncertainty
The Buccaneers enter the offseason ranked 10th in the NFC with an 11-6 record, securing the fourth seed in the playoffs after a late-season surge that included a 31-28 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. The team’s playoff run ended in the Divisional Round with a 24-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, a game that exposed vulnerabilities in the offensive line and secondary. Head coach Mike McDaniel has framed the 2026 season as an opportunity to address those weaknesses while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
According to the USA TODAY Sports report, the Buccaneers’ front office has prioritized stability at quarterback, where Baker Mayfield retains his starting role despite ongoing contract uncertainties for 2027. Mayfield, who completed 64.7% of his passes for 3,898 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025, led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2021. His decision to re-sign with Tampa Bay on a one-year deal worth $30 million guarantees he will remain under center for the 2026 season, though the team continues to evaluate long-term options.
Jake Browning, the veteran backup who has started three games in his career, will again serve as Mayfield’s primary backup. Browning’s experience—he has thrown for 1,892 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025—provides immediate depth, avoiding the need to rely on younger prospects like Connor Bazelak or Jalon Daniels. The Buccaneers’ approach aligns with their strategy of minimizing risk at a high-stakes position, particularly as the team eyes a potential return to the playoffs. “We’re not in a rush to make a decision that could backfire,” a team source told USA TODAY Sports. “Baker has shown he can lead this team, and Jake gives us the stability we need while we explore other options.”
Running Back Concerns and the Search for Versatility
The running back situation remains a point of concern, with Bucky Irving aiming to rebound from a disrupted 2025 season in which he played just 10 games due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 7. Irving, who rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, is expected to be a full participant in OTAs and could return to form if healthy. His recovery timeline remains critical, as the Buccaneers have limited depth behind him.
Kenneth Gainwell, a third-round pick in 2025, has assumed Rachaad White’s roster spot and jersey number (No. 23) following White’s release in March. Gainwell, who played in 15 games as a rookie, rushed for 498 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver. His experience in the NFL system could provide immediate value, though he lacks the versatility of White, who also served as a key special teams contributor. The team’s decision to retain Sean Tucker on a right-of-first-refusal tender underscores their cautious approach to depth at running back, as Tucker’s 300-yard rushing season in 2024 demonstrated his ability to step into a larger role if needed.
The absence of a clear No. 1 option raises questions about how the backfield will perform if injuries strike again, a recurring issue in 2025. The Buccaneers’ reliance on veteran experience over developmental risk underscores their focus on immediate competitiveness. “We’re not in a position to gamble on unproven talent at this stage,” McDaniel said in a recent press conference. “Our goal is to get back to the playoffs, and that starts with having reliable players on the field.” The team’s next evaluation for Irving is scheduled for June 10, with a potential return to practice expected by June 17.
For more on this story, see Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, Cam Ward, and Joe Flacco Chase NFL Greatness – IMDb.
Wide Receiver Rebuild: Filling Mike Evans’ Shoes and Developing the Next Tier
With Mike Evans’ departure to the 49ers, Chris Godwin emerges as the de facto leader of a deep wide receiver group. Godwin, who caught 89 passes for 1,120 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, is expected to elevate his game to fill the void left by Evans, who accounted for 1,211 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Godwin’s ability to stretch the field and create separation will be critical, particularly in light of the Buccaneers’ pass-heavy offense.
Emeka Egbuka, the 2025 first-rounder, is positioned as Godwin’s heir, though his development remains a work in progress. Egbuka, who played in 15 games as a rookie, recorded 33 receptions for 386 yards and two touchdowns. His physical tools and route-running ability suggest he could emerge as a No. 2 receiver, but his consistency in press coverage and ball security will need to improve. Jalen McMillan, who finished the 2025 season strong with 38 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns in the final six games, seeks a larger role after being acquired from the New York Jets in the 2025 offseason.
The addition of Ted Hurst, a third-rounder from the Sun Belt, represents a high-risk, high-reward move. Hurst, who recorded 45 receptions for 585 yards and four touchdowns in college, is expected to compete for a spot in the Buccaneers’ wide receiver rotation. His speed and athleticism could provide a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers, but his lack of NFL experience means he will need to prove himself quickly. Tez and Kam Johnson return as reliable role players, though their production—combined for 52 receptions and 584 yards in 2025—may not be enough to fully compensate for Evans’ absence.
The lack of a proven No. 2 receiver leaves gaps that could be exploited by opponents, particularly in the red zone. The Buccaneers ranked 19th in the NFL in red-zone scoring in 2025, with Evans accounting for 28 of their 52 touchdowns. Godwin’s ability to replicate that production will be a key factor in determining whether the offense can maintain its scoring efficiency. “Chris has the talent to be a No. 1 receiver, but he’ll need to take the next step in his development,” McDaniel said. “We’re not going to force it, but we expect him to step up.”
Tight End and Offensive Line Challenges Threaten Offensive Continuity
At tight end, Cade Otton remains the clear starter, though the position lacks a true backup. Otton, who recorded 58 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, is a reliable target in the intermediate and short zones. However, his lack of versatility in blocking and his limited production in the red zone (just two touchdowns) could be a concern. Ko Kieft, who returned from injury in 2025, provides special teams value but has yet to establish himself as a significant offensive contributor. The 2026 sixth-rounder Bauer Sharp enters as a potential challenger, though his development will likely be gradual.
The absence of a durable, impactful tight end could limit the offense’s versatility, particularly in short-yardage situations. The Buccaneers ranked 24th in the NFL in short-yardage scoring in 2025, with Otton accounting for just 10 of their 42 touchdowns inside the 10-yard line. The team’s decision to prioritize special teams over offensive depth at the position reflects their broader reluctance to take risks. “We’re not going to overhaul the roster just for the sake of it,” McDaniel said. “We’ll address needs as they arise, but right now, we’re focused on the players we have.”
The offensive line faces its own challenges, with the starting five playing zero combined snaps in 2025 due to injuries. The unit, which ranked 28th in the NFL in pass-blocking win rate, will rely on veterans like Tristan Wirfs and Ben Bredeson, who combined for 1,300 snaps in 2025. Wirfs, a Pro Bowler in 2024, played all 17 games at right tackle, while Bredeson provided stability at left guard. However, the lack of cohesion among the younger players—Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke, and Tyler Smith—raises concerns about the unit’s ability to protect Mayfield and open holes for the running game.
Mauch, a second-round pick in 2025, played in 14 games at left tackle but struggled with consistency, allowing 10 sacks and 21 pressures in his rookie season. Goedeke, a fifth-round pick in 2024, saw limited action at right guard, while Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2023, played sparingly at center. The team’s focus on short-term solutions may hinder long-term development, particularly as the Buccaneers aim to improve their offensive line’s pass-blocking win rate from 48.3% in 2025. “We’re not going to fix everything overnight,” McDaniel said. “But we have to start somewhere, and that begins with the players we have.”
This instability could directly impact the quarterback’s performance and the running game’s effectiveness. The Buccaneers ranked 21st in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2025, with Irving accounting for 783 of their 1,600 rushing yards. If the offensive line fails to improve, the team’s ability to sustain drives and create short-yardage opportunities could be compromised. The next evaluation for the offensive line will take place during OTAs, with a focus on identifying weaknesses and addressing them through practice and adjustments.
The Buccaneers’ 2026 offensive strategy hinges on maintaining the core from the past two seasons while addressing key weaknesses. With Evans gone, the team must determine whether Godwin can elevate his game to fill the void or if external solutions will be needed. The depth chart suggests a focus on stability over innovation, but repeated injuries and unproven backups could derail these plans. The team’s next critical matchup will come in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, a game that will serve as an early test of their offensive improvements.
The Buccaneers’ playoff hopes hinge on their ability to overcome these challenges. With the NFC East remaining competitive, the team will need to improve in key areas—particularly at wide receiver and offensive line—to secure a spot in the playoffs. The 2026 season begins on September 14, with the Buccaneers aiming to build on their late-season success and return to the postseason.
