Bucs look to stay competitive after losing key players
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 2:41 PM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, facing the departure of franchise legends Mike Evans and Lavonte David, aim to remain competitive in the upcoming NFL season. Despite concerns, a prediction from Bleacher Report suggests they will avoid finishing last in the NFC South, with the Atlanta Falcons projected for that position. General manager Jason Licht's roster-building strategy includes retaining talent, highlighted by Baker Mayfield and a strong offensive line led by Tristan Wirfs. On defense, key players like Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. are expected to support the transition as the team adjusts to life without Evans and David.
- •Bucs lost Mike Evans and Lavonte David this offseason
- •Bleacher Report predicts Bucs will not finish last in NFC South
- •Baker Mayfield remains at quarterback with strong offensive protection
- •Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. lead the defense
- •Emeka Egbuka expected to take on bigger role
- 2:41 PMYahoo Sports — Bucs projected to avoid disaster despite losing franchise legends
"Despite an offseason in which the Bucs lost several mainstays, they can still avoid disaster it seems this upcoming season.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Jul 12, 2026, 2:00 PM64 Days, 64 tackles by Jaylen Watson last year for Chiefs to make up
FootballNFL•Jul 12, 2026, 1:33 PMPenn State quarterback Rocco Becht is ready to lead new era after trying season in 2025- NFL•Jul 12, 2026, 1:31 PMFalcons lineman earns top-10 honors from NFL execs
- NFL•Jul 12, 2026, 12:55 PMAll-NFC South Team of the 2010s: Where do Saints running backs rank?
- NFL•Jul 12, 2026, 8:30 AMSteelers Hall of Fame center leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 63
- NFL•Jul 12, 2026, 6:03 AMBucs' ‘Biggest Bust’ Predicted for 2026