TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS QUOTE SHEET 7-29-26

HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On the status of T Tristan Wirfs)

"He tweaked something in the running test. Vita [Vea] as well, so we left him inside getting treatment."

(On how long Wirfs may be sidelined)

"Right now, I'm not sure. I'll know more today. I would hope it's not long, but we'll see."

(On whether Wirfs' injury is a hamstring)

"Tristan's is a hamstring."

(On if NT Vita Vea was planning to practice today)

"He ran yesterday. He did [well] in the test and he tweaked something, as well. So, he's day-to-day, as well."

(On clarifying whether Vea's absence from practice was strictly injury related)

"Well, he tweaked something yesterday, yes. I haven't been told otherwise."

(On his reaction to the reports that Vea wants to be traded)

"It comes up every year. That usually takes care of itself. Our job is to get the guys ready to play for camp. Vita is here and we're getting him ready. He's engaged in the meetings. He understands everything. He helps all the guys out. So, we're getting ready to play the season with him."

(On if anything has changed with Vea's status since mandatory mini-camp in June)

"No, it's been the same. [He was] engaged then, he's engaged now. Like I said, he came in in great shape. His weight is good. He ran great yesterday and he tweaked something. So, we'll see how he feels."

(On whether he and General Manager Jason Licht have any inclination to entertain trading Vea)

"We have not even discussed it."

(On whether the reports of Vea's desire for a trade could impact the team's state of mind)

"We don't let the outside noise affect what we're doing right now. We're getting ready for camp. We're trying to build camaraderie and chemistry and we're getting ready each day, and that's all we do."

(On the status of CB Benjamin Morrison)

"He's just still working on his hamstring a little bit, but he's day-by-day."

(On the interception CB Zyon McCollum made near the end of practice)

"He caught his first one. It was a good day for him."

(On his message to the team entering training camp after last season)

"That season is long gone. We've got to be better than yesterday. Tomorrow, we've got to be better than today. So, we've got to get better. We know what the chemistry is. We understand what last season was, but last season is last season. Every day is different for us. We've got new guys. We have a new team. We've got to keep continuing to build and grow. We've got a lot more leaders on this team that are stepping up. The chemistry has been good. We've just got to keep getting better every day."

(On if the team is still interested in potentially adding a veteran cornerback)

"We'll work some guys out and we're still in the process of filtering that out, but hopefully we'll have somebody in here."

(On his impression of how G Cody Mauch looked in practice on Wednesday)

"I didn't see much of him, personally, just to sit there and study – that's when we go in and watch the film. But, I think he's had a great offseason and he looked great in the spring. He looks stouter. He looked stout last year before he got hurt, but he looks stouter right now, and I'm just excited to see him in there."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's contract situation and whether negotiations could continue)

"That is a Jason [Licht] question right now. You said everything that Baker was going to do. We're not going to make this training camp about Baker from a team standpoint. If something happens, great, but we're getting ready for the season and play it out. He's expecting to have a great season from himself. He loves the guys that he's around and building it from that. That's all we're going to go with right now."

(On managing public contract negotiations while keeping the focus on football)

"Well, there [are] players every year [that] you're going to have them [with]. These happen to be two of our biggest players. We haven't had two of our biggest in a while, but we've had players every year. It just hasn't been of that magnitude. But, it's always about football. There [are] always going to be distractions just like there are on game day. There are going to be sudden changes and there are going to be sudden changes on the field. We have a very professional and mature group with a lot of leadership there, starting with Baker [Mayfield]. So, he makes sure that's separate. He makes sure the team knows that's separate. Like I said, we're not going to make this training camp about what he signed or what he didn't sign or it being his contract year. We're just going to play ball."

(On if he was surprised that NT Vita Vea reportedly requested a trade)

"Nothing surprises me in this league."

(On working with Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson)

"It's been great. He's been great since he's come in here. He's very detailed and he's very precise on the things he likes to do. Offensively, you can see the guys and hear them talking about it. It's the most precise, from a formation standpoint, that they said they've had since they've been here. So just getting day-by-day and getting everything down, I think we've made leaps and bounds from the spring just from a formation standpoint, today, as far as getting lined up. That always helps."

(On how Zac Robinson's previous play-calling experience benefits the team)

"Well, it hasn't changed much because he's still new. So, you've still got to get a feel for each other. He's got to get a feel for me. I've still got to get a feel for him. I think we've done that and we're continuing to do that right now. But, the fact that he's been in more situations, and not being a first-time play-caller, helps a great deal."

(On RB Bucky Irving's recovery from surgery)

"He feels fine. He's great. He's full speed. He's full-go right now. Obviously, when we get in pads, we're not easing him back from anything. So, we feel pretty good right now."

(On what he's noticed about the veteran leadership added to the defense, specifically in terms of how vocal they are)

"Not only that, they're egoless and their work ethic is outstanding. They don't mind getting their hands dirty and setting somebody up for a play and talking to people and doing the extra after practice. Those are the things you look for in leadership, and they came in with those qualities."

(On his goal during the first week of training camp before pads come on)

"For the most part, how much recall we had back from the spring. Just making sure everybody's in the right shape, not putting people on the ground trying to hurt each other before we get pads….We're still getting acclimated, but the recall from the spring and just getting back with the play-calling on both sides of the ball – that's what we're trying to see."

(On whether the team's recent contract situations might affect the mentality of the locker room)

"Not at all. Every situation is different. Mike [Evans'] situation was different. Baker [Mayfield's] is different. Vita [Vea's] is different as well. We talk about all these things, and we have a very mature group, like I said, and we make sure we make it about ball. We understand the business side of football as well. Everybody is going to go through that, coaches and players alike. We have a very tight-knit team, and I feel pretty good about them."

(On WR Ted Hurst's development since rookie mini-camp)

"He's been grasping the system very well. He's got to continue to grasp the system, and that's the big thing for him. He can move around more than we thought he could move around as far as different positions. He's a tough player, but understanding the system and moving around in different places requires precision. He's got to continue to get the routes down, but we know he's a playmaker."

(On if he's open to making schematic changes defensively with several new starters)

"We've made quite a few changes. We've made quite a few. The fact is, if you don't play well, you've got to make quite a few. If you get new people, you make quite a few. We've made quite a few changes that, obviously, [we] can't discuss, but we're building toward that. I like where we are."

(On LB Josiah Trotter's progress since rookie mini-camp)

"He's definitely smart. He's quiet, but he's very tough. Obviously, his play will come into play once the pads come on, but he understands the system very well and he's moving around great."

(On Trotter's personality)

"He's quiet. He's a rookie. He's going to be quiet initially until he gets the system down, but he's a thumper. He's a thumper. He's quiet right now – he's vocal on the field, but he's quiet right now. He's a very confident guy."

(On the competition at inside linebacker)

"Obviously, 'Voss' (SirVocea Dennis) is there and [Christian] Rozeboom is there, so there will be some competition at that spot."

(On if there have been any changes to the structure of practice to potentially mitigate the risk of injury)

"From a treatment standpoint and a lifting standpoint on the inside, we have changed some things around. Obviously, from a special teams standpoint, we sprinkle them out throughout practice [to] try to give the linemen more rest and do those type of things, and the lifting times have changed. So, we've changed quite a few things around trying to make sure we're doing the right things to stay healthy."

(On what Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith brings to the team)

"Danny brings a great presence, and once you get past the presence – which will take you a while – he is an extremely bright and smart coach, and he's very detailed. He loves the game. I think of Danny as a new coach more because he's older than all of us, but he's younger than all of us. He's a hell of a teacher. He's great to talk to about almost any and everything. He gives you sound advice. He's eager to get going all day long, and you just love that about him. He holds all those guys accountable. So, I think that'll be a big change for us this year on special teams."

(On his level of confidence in QB Jake Browning)

"Well, the system is new for him, too. Obviously, I've seen what he did in Cincinnati, and we brought him in here. He's a veteran presence, so he knows where to go with the football. As we get into pads and everything and we get to see him more, then that'll detail itself. I know he's played in games and started. He can throw the ball, and he's not going to panic when he's in there."

(On how OLB Rueben Bain Jr. is progressing, and if Bowles still believes that Bain doesn't look like a rookie)

"He still doesn't. From an understanding and mental standpoint, more or less. His work ethic is outstanding, and he's continued that since day one."

(On the team's depth along the defensive line)

"We've had more than we've had in the past. I think we're bigger, like we were in the early days when we got here. So, we've got a little more depth there from a size standpoint."

(On what body part NT Vita Vea tweaked the other day)

"His back."

WIDE RECEIVER CHRIS GODWIN JR.

(On if any of the ongoing contract situations could affect the team culture)

"Honestly, I'm not particularly concerned. Like to what you were just saying, we talk in the locker room, guys aren't oblivious as to what's going on. We also understand it's a business, right? None of us, we never question any of our teammates' ability to go out and to perform or their desire to give it all to the team, right? We let the players handle their respective business and know that they're going to give us their all on the field. So, I'm not concerned about it being an issue for anybody on the team."

(On if he was surprised by the news of NT Vita Vea's reported trade request)

"Yeah, it surprised me, but mostly just because I'm not following everything that's going on, you know what I mean? I found out the same way everybody else did. Like I said, it's a business, things will take care of themselves. It's good to see Vita out here, he always looks great. Vita is a great personality on our team, he's been a great team leader my years."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's contract situation and how players handle contract situations)

"Yeah, honestly, it's tough. As a player, it's tough, because whether you don't get what it is that you are hoping to get or just the business aspect of it because so many of us got into this game playing for the love of it, right? Then, the business just kind of steps in, sometimes it can be frustrating. Over the years that I've gotten to know 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield), I don't know if there's anybody more equipped to handle something like this. He's a constant pro, he's going to go out there, going to handle his business and he's going to be the Baker that everyone loves."

(On how long it took him to understand the business aspect of being in the NFL)

"I mean, I feel like I learned in waves. You get a quick intro your rookie year because, when I first came in, we were still doing multiple cuts, it wasn't just 90 to [53] or whatever. After a couple of weeks, guys would just be going and so, that's your first intro to this is a business. If you're not performing, they're going to get rid of you. Then, when I first started going through my own contract things after my first year was done, then you get an intro to the actual business side of it. Again, it can be frustrating, it could be challenging, just because there's uncertainty and you want security towards yourself and for your family. It's a violent game. We don't know how long it'll last. It can mess with you, but if you have good people around you, if you have good leaders in the locker room, people to talk to, then you can navigate it. At the end of that day, if you go out there and you perform, you can have fun with your guys and let the business take care of itself."

(On how his leadership role changes now that WR Mike Evans is not a Buccaneer)

"I mean, it's definitely strange. I think the combination of being in training camp, him not being here and seeing him in a different shade of red, is bizarre. I mean, again, it's the business, right? I talked to Mike a couple weeks ago and he's happy. That's my guy, [so] if he's happy, I'm happy. As far as my leadership on this team, it doesn't change at all, as far as I'm concerned. What I did and what I brought to the team was completely different from what Mike brought to the team, right? It's not like he's gone and I'm like, 'Oh, I've got to step up and be somebody else or somebody that I'm not.' I just continue to be me and to me, that's going to be good as I continue to encourage other guys, continue to try and elevate my game. If I can bring the best version of myself, that's the best thing I can do for them."

RUNNING BACK BUCKY IRVING

(On how his shoulder is feeling)

"Shoulder [is] feeling good. I just want to thank the training staff and everyone that helped me on the road to recovery. [I'm] just taking it day-by-day. I just want to give a big thanks to them for helping me get back to where I want to be."

(On what he was working on during the offseason)

"Man, my offseason [has] been great. Once I got the word that I was clear, I pretty much got back to my routine. [I] spent some time down in south Florida, got with the coach that I spent my rookie season with, getting back to work with him so, everything has been great."

(On his relationship with RB Kenny Gainwell)

"I mean, that relationship has been going great. Kenny is an even better person, we all know what he can do on the field but just having a leader like that in our room…He's been around some great [running] backs, so just being able to sync up that knowledge. I always say, man, it's always good to have two good [running] backs in the room. We complement one another and [we'll] see how far this thing goes."

(On working with Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson)

"It's been good ever since Zac got here. We've seen what [he did] in Atlanta. He gets his playmakers the ball in the best possible ways and the things that they are good at. So, we [are] just taking it day-by-day and letting them lead us in the right direction."

(On what he learned about himself after facing adversity last season)

"I learned a lot about myself. What this game means to me — I've been doing this since I was 4-years-old, and [it was my] first time being hurt. Being able to also know you [are] more than just a football player and just being able to self-reflect on things that you can learn outside of football. Just being able to be around my team and know the joy [that] they bring when you [are] around them…So, just being able to know adversity is going to come at some point, but at the end of the day, it's going to determine how you come out of that. It's going to make you stronger."

(On the energy he brings to the field)

"I've been doubted my whole life, and just being able to have an edge…I've always been told I'm too small, I'm not fast enough. Things like that, it motivates me and gives me an edge when I step on the field. I also know what I do it for. I do it for the people back home who don't really get the chance to make it to the NFL and try and give them some hope that each and every time I step on the field I'm going to give them my all."

LINEBACKER CHRISTIAN ROZEBOOM

(On how he's settling in and learning the new system)

"It's been a great transition. One of the good things about coming here was [that] one of my high school best friends [was] Ko Kieft. We actually went to the same high school. Having that built in and having him show me around and introduce me to guys and tell me what to expect has been great. He's been a huge help for me [to] prepare for this training camp."

(On his relationship with DL A'Shawn Robinson and coming with him from the Carolina Panthers

"I was with him in [Los Angeles] too. Our journeys have looked a little bit similar – crossed paths a few times now. I'm glad he's on my team, he's kind of scary. He's just an animal and he's going to do whatever it takes to help our team win. I'm glad he's on our team for sure."

(On the appeal to come to Tampa Bay after having played the Buccaneers multiple times)

"I have a lot of respect [for the Buccaneers]. I played Tampa a lot in my career and have been with Baker in [Los Angeles] for his stint and then played against him. [I] just [have] a ton of respect for his love of the game and just his grit as a quarterback. I think it's hard to find that. Not all quarterbacks around the league have that kind of drive and that grit like he does. So, [I] just [have] a lot of respect for the guys on this team and I'm excited to be a part of it now."

(On the identity and leadership of the team)

"This organization – I have a lot of respect for the continuous success that they've had and, like you said, the guys that have been here that helped do that for so many years. It will look a little different, but the pieces are still there. We brought in the right guys – the right veterans: A'Shawn [Robinson], Al[-Quadin Muhammad] – just all the guys they brought in as far as a leadership standpoint, and just guys that have been there and can help lead this team."

-BUCCANEERS-