CENTER GRAHAM BARTON

(On what his personal objectives are heading into year three)

"To continue to get stronger. [To] just hold the depth of the pocket is an important thing to me, getting technically better. To just continue to improve [and] just try to see -- I think from year one to year two, I think there were a lot of things I did in year two that you could not go back to my year one tape and find. I think I made a lot of improvements in a lot of areas, but then I think there's areas where I didn't see a whole lot of improvement. So, [I'm] just trying to get better, trying to improve technically, trying to continue to get stronger. Core strength is always a big part of that. Yeah, trying to get technically better, I've been training back home in Nashville for a couple months. I spent some time here, spent time there and got on the field a little bit and worked out. I am just trying to get better."

(On if he has been working out this offseason to get into more of a "interior offensive line shape")

"Yeah, it's what I've been working really hard on all offseason. [I am] just trying to get better because it's such a different game. At tackle, you're worried about the width of the pocket, so it's like I have to go get out on this guy and match this guy, whereas inside, it's like I have to brace and strain for every inch and step to keep myself as far away from the quarterback. It's just a different mindset and I understand that but just trying to get better in that area. I think if you go back and every player stood up on this podium, I don't think anyone would stand up here and be like, 'I kind of did what I wanted to do last year. I did my thing, played my best.' I think we've all kind of got to look within ourselves for this offseason and going forward, and how can I be better. If you've got 50-something guys doing that, we're in a good spot. I think that's a big part of it."

(On how much the success of the offensive line hinges on the availability of the starters to play)

"A lot, honestly. In any league, any offensive line room, college, NFL, high school, you [have] to have that next man up mentality. Guys have to be able to step in. We had some guys come in and play good football last year. Continuity is such a strong thing. You look at 2024 and the success we had running the football and protecting the quarterback. We stayed healthy for most part. I missed a game, I believe Tristan [Wirfs] missed a couple, Luke [Goedeke] missed a couple early, but throughout the year we stayed healthy and there was a lot of continuity there. I think that helps no doubt about it. Again, it's about trying to improve, and I think if everyone looks within themselves and gets to that point, we'll be in a lot better of a spot this year. No doubt, health plays a part in it."

(On new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson)

"I got to have lunch with him in passing a couple times in the cafeteria earlier this spring. He's a great dude, first of all, the guys that have come along with him seem like great guys. It seems like we're going to have a good unit this year. [There are] a lot of similarities between him and Liam [Coen] as you guys know. Even listening to him talk today, whether it's the marriage in the run and pass game and all the motions and stuff like that. It sounds like there's going to be a lot of similarities in that aspect, but obviously, it's Zac's [Robinson] offense. There's going to be different concepts he wants to introduce, different schemes, different principles and we're ready to learn. I think eagerness is a big thing this year. As you all know, the season took a downhill turn after the Bye Week, and it wasn't fun for anyone, and no one wants to go through that again. So, there's definitely an eagerness to improve this offseason and really take advantage of this OTA time to get better. I'm excited about the energy all those guys bring and I'm excited about Zac and his offensive mind and trying to go win it all this year."

(On how players continue to bring the energy this offseason and into the next season)

"It's just about consistency I think and being intentional -- that's something we talked about earlier today. Try to be intentional with your time in each and every day, having your routine, making sure every day you leave this building you got better at something or your improved on something or you had that conversation you needed to have with Baker [Mayfield] and the offensive line at something, and continue to get better and just having that passion throughout the year. Consistency and being intentional are important in keeping that energy through the regular season."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN CALIJAH KANCEY

(On returning for the final game of the 2025 season after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2)

"It was great. Football is all I know, it's all I've been taught. I've been playing football since I was four years old, so whether it's an injury or if I can return or I can't, I'm going to do whatever to try and get back on the field. That was my whole goal. [For me], just being able to put on my helmet and go out there and ball with my brothers, whether we got the win or not, I just wanted to show them I'm here for y'all. I eat, sleep, everything, I live football [and it] lives through me. That was just me showing my love for them and how much they mean to me. That's what it was about."

(On how much the leadership has changed during the offseason)

"I think it's still the same goal. Everybody here wants to win. We are all one. We got some good additions to the team which would help – a lot of older guys who have been in this league for a long time [and] know how it's done. They just hopped on board to help us get to where we need to go."

(On the new addition in DL A'Shawn Robinson)

"I think that's a big help. A guy like him, he's aggressive. He's going to bully the guy in front of him; he's going to make the plays that need to be made. He's going to do his job and he's someone who has been in this league for a while, so he's got a name for himself."

(On the new Defensive Line Coach Marcus West)

"I'm still getting to know him. First day, I like his intentions, they're all good. He wants us to do what we've been doing plus more. [With] him as a defensive line coach, he's greedy. He wants our room to make the plays and make all the progress, and that's what we want too."

(On bringing players in on defense who have "that edge mentality")

"I think that's awesome. To add guys like that on the defense that have already been doing their job...To add those pieces to the defense, I think it's great. I think it takes a little off the top and gets us to where we need to [be]."

SAFETY TYKEE SMITH

(On what he learned from his time playing with Lavonte David)

"Since I got here, I think he played a big part in my success that I had early on. I think the biggest thing I learned was how to be a pro [and] how to go about it day-to-day. Watching him and how he handled everything, how he prepared for the game...I feel like there would be sometimes he knew what play was about to come before it happens. Him taking me under [his] wing was a real blessing my first two years."

(On what he thought he did well and where he thinks he needs to improve after his first season playing at the safety position)

"I think me playing more full speed this year. With me going into my second year being back there, being in more space when I played more down to the line of scrimmage my rookie year. So, [for] me just being better in space this year. I think I had some really good moments in being able to defend the run, cover some tight ends. The biggest thing is improving [with] just me getting better in space."

(On what he thinks the defensive backs room can do to make 2026 a successful season)

"The biggest thing is communication. We're trying to start that early once we are able to get on the field and do some actual football stuff. That's going to be the biggest thing, make sure everybody is on one page and make sure everybody knows what they have to do."

(On what Safeties Coach Tim Akins and Cornerbacks Coach Rashad Johnson bring to the defensive backs room)

"I think Coach Tim [Akins] has been around for a very long time, being with [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles since 2016. I think Rashad [Johnson] brings more of him playing the game, but I think he brings that aspect because he actually played in the system, so I think he'll see it from more of a player perspective on how to go about stuff."

-BUCCANEERS-