Bucs OLB coach Larry Foote.

In no uncertain terms, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht said he expects 2024 second-round draft pick Chris Braswell to “shock” people this season. [read more]

Coach talks Sean Tucker and new kickoff rules.

So the NFL radically changed its kickoff rules for the 2025 season. A touchback now will be placed on the 35 yard line. First down, offense! [read more]

Fed up with Bengals.

Joe admits to being a bit surprised by this. [read more]

Bonded.

The Bucs really like how the team is full of good dudes and the locker room seems stocked with guys who will help any teammate at a moment’s notice. [read more]

“Lavonte, why did Licht sign this kid? Do the Glazers want me gone?”

Joe is not trying to be mean here. It would be cool to see “Big Gator” Desmond Watson make the Bucs’ regular-season roster. [read more]

Bucs rookie CB Jacob Parrish.

Look, Joe’s not going to go nuts here after watching two days of underwear football practice with the rookies, the UDFAs and the tryout slugs. [read more]

Considering WDAE radio host Pat Donovan sent this directly Joe’s way, and considering Donovan is employed by the Buccaneers Radio Network, Joe is taking this to the bank. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

The Buccaneers take great pride in dedicating this season to celebrating a half-century of play in the National Football League.

To mark the occasion, it’s time to honor the 50 most notable players in franchise history, counting down toward No. 1. These rankings are based on production and impact as Buccaneers only, so Tom Brady’s unmatched accomplishments with the Patriots don’t count.

We’ll group five players at a time in each column, wrapping up well before the 2025 season gets underway. While you won’t agree with every choice, all selections made a valuable contribution to the franchise.

50. Mark Cotney
This hard-hitting safety was a 7-year starter who joined the Bucs in their inaugural 1976 season after being obtained from Houston in the veteran allocation draft. Cotney used his 6-foot, 205-pound frame to punish receivers who dared to go over the middle at Tampa Stadium.
Cotney finished his career with 17 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries and 5 sacks. He also posted a sack and a pick in the postseason as a key member of an impressive defense. [read more]

Officially, the 2025 NFL schedule will be released on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Will the Bucs play Miami in Spain? In Detroit on Thanksgiving? At home on Christmas Day?

Those options are on table. [read more]

There is zero doubt Baker Mayfield had a career year last season with 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards passing with a league-leading 16 interceptions mixed in to his stunning 71.4 percent completion rate. [read more]

Playing under pressure matters.

In last month’s draft, the Bucs selected three guys that starred for big-time programs and used to playing marquee games in prime time, high-stakes games in packed stadiums. [read more]

Bucs running back Rachaad White loves the spotlight, but he is a team-first guy, an interesting mix of look-at-me and humble. [read more]

Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka.

OK, so rookie minicamp is over. Joe got to watch two underwear football practices, one outdoors in the heat, one in the air conditioning of the Glazer Shed. [read more]

New Bucs receiver reacts.

Bucs rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson is stoked the Bucs drafted him. And part of that passion is that he’s matched with a quarterback who has just as much passion for the game as he does. [read more]

Better at safety?

Could a coveted Bucs defensive back find stardom in a new position? [read more]

Three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long, from football’s famous Long family, sees Baker Mayfield as an elite babysitter. [read more]

Undrafted rookie free agent DT Desmond Watson.

Officially, former Gators defensive lineman Desmond Watson, a Tampa native, was signed as an undrafted free agent at 464 pounds. [read more]

Warmth lingers.

Through 11 NFL Drafts and their ensuing seasons, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht has noticed a trend. [read more]

Undrafted rookie free agent safety Shilo Sanders.

Yeah, Joe knows folks have their opinions of Deion Sanders and his sons. [read more]