PFF: Free Agency A Mixed Bag For Bucs
March 21st, 2026
Defense still needs addressing.
Maybe Joe is looking at the Bucs through a weird prism, but he doesn’t see what some others see.
Joe actually heard someone on sports radio yesterday say the Bucs had a good free agency. Someone is going to have to explain to Joe how losing a Hall of Fame wide receiver and your best corner is in any way good.
And yes, Joe is well aware who the Bucs signed.
It seems Mason Cameron of the PFF tribe doesn’t necessarily believe the Bucs had a good free agent period or a bad one. Still, in his post-free agency power ranking, Cameron has the Bucs at No. 20, which means he doesn’t expect the Bucs to be a playoff team this fall.
Without Mike Evans and [perhaps] Lavonte David, two of the longest-tenured Buccaneers in franchise history, a changing of the guard is underway in Tampa. The losses extended to Jamel Dean and Logan Hall, among other players with significant experience in the Buccaneers system. As the departures mounted, the Buccaneers moved to fill in the gaps with capable contributors, such as Alex Anzalone, Kenneth Gainwell and A’Shawn Robinson. Those moves allow Tampa Bay to get younger and potentially more productive in key spots, but it comes at the cost of familiarity.
Well, Lavonte David isn’t gone yet. Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht seemed to suggest in a sitdown this week with select Bucs media that the door is open for David to return to the Bucs right up until the start of training camp.
Despite David’s agent saying recently that David was close to a decision, as of yet, no word has come from David’s camp which way he will choose.
Until he sees the Bucs beef up the defense, Joe is pessimistic about the Bucs’ postseason chances.
March 21st, 2026 at 12:17 am
They were major players of the 2-7 meltdown team
I think this 2026 squad will be a lot better than last season
I’m fully confident of this team
I give Jason Licht a B for free agency
March 21st, 2026 at 1:45 am
I believe the Bucs will win the division on the strength of the offense. The defense will perform better, but the scheme will still be a handicap. We won’t be going deep in the playoffs. Mike Evans will add to his thousand yard seasons, and might be the reason we go home early.
March 21st, 2026 at 1:46 am
I started to think about it another way. Nobody by themselves can replace prime Evans. However, Godwin has a opportunity to step out of the shadow with EE to surpass 1000+ yards and 10 TD’s both players combined output. McMillan/Tez can accomplish the same thing 1000+ yards 10 TD’s combined output.
Bucs were willing to trade Dean or Davis for a 3rd a few years back. The replacements were drafted last year. Resigned Zion and walked Izen. All that is about a wash but got younger. LVD should come back for one more tackle. Even if it’s later in the season like JPP and Barrett did. That way we can cheer about something.
March 21st, 2026 at 1:55 am
Hardly good.
The secondary got thinner.
The D line still does not have a pass rusher.
The receiving corp is great, but got weaker.
Still need better depth for the O line.
The good news is the running back room is in great shape. Don’t know if they’re better, but I do not believe they got worse.
March 21st, 2026 at 2:43 am
I question LVD sitting on the fence like this. Are he and Jason even talking?
Frustrating to me because we have a draft coming up and a decision from LVD is needed to help solidify our draft board. Wondering what is really going on here.
Go Bucs!