The page has officially turned to the 2026 NFL season and the NFL Combine commences in just a couple weeks in Indianapolis. Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019, finishing with an 8-9 record and second-place in the NFC South on a tiebreaker. The offseason traditionally leads to report cards for each club as permeating question marks persist for each roster. In Tampa Bay, there are three main storylines as free agency looms:
How Will the Edge Rush Fare in 2026?
The Buccaneers were unable to achieve consistent pressure in 2025. Yaya Diaby continued to ascend and harness his power, posting seven sacks (team-high) last season. He has the first-step quickness and strength to be successful but needs to refine his counters and rush process at the line of scrimmage to get the quarterback on the ground at a routine rate.
"[Diaby] was clearly our best pass rusher up front," described Todd Bowles. "I thought he had a heck of a season, especially in the second half of the season. He was one of our best players. He plays hard, he plays with a lot of energy, and we just have to help him out with the other guys up front."
Haason Reddick signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay last March and is an impending free agent. He posted 2.5 sacks in 2025 and did not make the impact the Bucs' brass hoped for down the stretch. Chris Braswell, who logged 283 snaps last season, has tallied 2.5 sacks in 34 games played, including one in 2025. David Walker, the team's fourth-round draft pick in the 2025 Draft out of Central Arkansas, is rehabbing his way back from a torn ACL that forced him to miss the entirety of his rookie campaign. Walker made an impact throughout OTAs and rookie minicamp with force/leverage and explosive power that attacked the weaknesses of opposing tackles. The three-time consensus All-American garnered lavish praise from coaches prior to the injury and his return has sparked optimism. Regardless, the team's brass will likely add value to the room through free agency or the draft to bolster the team's edge rush in 2026.
What Will Inside Linebacker Look Like?
Lavonte David will have a decision to make regarding his future. Irrespective of David deciding to hang up the cleats or continue playing, the Bucs need to solidify the position room. In 2025, the Bucs were exploited at times over the middle of the field by receivers and tight ends, along with pass-catching running backs out of the flats. SirVocea Dennis is still developing as a run defender and tackler in space, but is effective at triggering downhill in the box.
In alliance with one of their greatest roster needs, the 2026 draft class is notably deep at the off-ball linebacker position with prospects who can do it all, including Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, C.J. Allen and Jake Golday. Todd Bowles has a complex defensive system and players will be required to drop in coverage, blitz and sort through run fits. Whether mirroring running backs, leverage in pursuit, blitzing through the A and B-gaps or disguising and dropping, the Bucs need to strengthen the middle of the defense.
How Will the Running Back Room Shake Out?
Rachaad White is set to hit the open market in March, and Tampa Bay will need another back to complement Bucky Irving. White was adept in short-yardage, goal-line situations and was an enforcer in pass protection on third down. He was patient in letting his blocks develop and contributed in the passing game, along with Irving. Sean Tucker is also a restricted free agent after posting 177 snaps in 2025; he could be in for a larger role if he re-signs.
The team's primary back and missed-tackle machine, Irving, missed seven games in 2025 with foot and shoulder injuries and he will be the focal point this upcoming season in a new offensive system under Zac Robinson.
"I see Bucky in a very similar light [to Bijan Robinson] there with what he can do in the passing game, and there's not a run concept that he can't run," Robinson said. "So, I'm excited to work with Bucky and know that there is a ton of meat on the bone in the passing game.
Irving will be used in a variety of ways to maximize his leg drive, elusiveness, jump-cut prowess and panoramic vision. Either in free agency – Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle or Tyler Allgeier – or through the draft, the Bucs will boost the room.
