The pirate ship in Tampa is looking a little different these days. If you haven't checked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart lately, you might be surprised by who is actually steering the ship. Honestly, it’s not just the Mike Evans show anymore, though the big man is still out there defying Father Time.
Baker Mayfield has basically become the heartbeat of this city. It’s wild. A couple of years ago, people were ready to write him off, and now he’s out here breaking franchise records and throwing for over 4,500 yards in a single season. But the real story of the 2025-2026 campaign hasn't just been the starters. It’s been the survival of the fittest.
Injuries have been a nightmare. Just look at the offensive line—Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke are the anchors, but they’ve been playing through enough tape and ice packs to fill a pharmacy.
The Offensive Hierarchy: Beyond Baker and Mike
Everyone knows the big names. You've got Mayfield at QB1, followed by the veteran Teddy Bridgewater, who provides that steady "I’ve seen it all" energy in the film room. But the wide receiver room is where things get interesting. Mike Evans is Mike Evans. He’s a lock for 1,000 yards every year like it’s a law of physics.
However, the addition of rookie Emeka Egbuka has shifted the dynamic. Most people thought he’d just be a depth piece behind Chris Godwin, but Egbuka has forced his way into a starting role on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart. He’s slick in the slot and has a weirdly psychic connection with Baker.
Then there is the backfield. Rachaad White used to be the bell cow, but Bucky Irving basically kicked the door down this season. Bucky is lightning. He’s the guy you want on 3rd-and-short when the defense is gassed. White still gets his touches, especially in the passing game, but if you’re looking at who’s actually carrying the rock for the big gains, it’s Irving.
The tight end spot is held down by Cade Otton. He’s not a "flashy" player. He won't make the SportsCenter Top 10 every week. But he plays nearly every snap. He’s the glue. Behind him, Payne Durham and Devin Culp are waiting for their shots, but Otton is the undisputed TE1 for a reason—he’s reliable.
The Trench Warfare
If the Bucs are going to win, it starts with the big boys. Graham Barton has been a revelation at center. Moving a rookie into that spot is usually a recipe for disaster, but he’s handled the line calls like a 10-year vet.
- LT: Tristan Wirfs (The Gold Standard)
- LG: Ben Bredeson / Michael Jordan (A rotation of necessity)
- C: Graham Barton (The Future)
- RG: Luke Haggard / Dan Feeney (Mauch’s injury opened this door)
- RT: Luke Goedeke (A total road grader)
It hasn't been perfect. Losing Cody Mauch to that knee surgery was a massive blow. Suddenly, guys like Luke Haggard—who was basically a practice squad afterthought—are starting games. That's the NFL for you. One play and you're the most important person in Tampa.
A Defense in Transition
The defense is... well, it’s a work in progress. Todd Bowles has been open about the fact that changes are coming. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart on defense shows some aging legends and some young guns who aren't quite "there" yet.
Vita Vea is still the mountain in the middle. When he’s healthy, you can’t run on the Bucs. Period. But he’s 31 now. He needs breaks. Logan Hall and Greg Gaines have to step up more than they have.
The edge rush got a massive boost when they landed Haason Reddick. Pairing him with Yaya Diaby was a genius move by Jason Licht. Reddick brings that veteran savvy, while Diaby is just pure, unadulterated speed.
In the middle, Lavonte David is still doing Lavonte David things. It’s sort of incredible. He’s 36 and still leading the team in tackles. But who’s next? SirVocea Dennis has shown flashes, but he hasn't quite taken that "leap" yet. The Bucs also brought in Anthony Walker Jr. to provide some depth because, let’s face it, you can’t expect Lavonte to play 100% of the snaps at his age without some help.
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The No-Fly Zone?
The secondary has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Jamel Dean is the veteran leader, but his shoulder has been giving him fits. When Dean is out, the drop-off is noticeable.
Zyon McCollum has had a shaky season. He’s got the physical tools—the height, the speed—but the consistency just isn't there yet. That’s why seeing rookie Benjamin Morrison get more snaps is so encouraging. Morrison doesn't play like a rookie. He’s aggressive and doesn't get rattled after giving up a catch.
And then there's Antoine Winfield Jr. He’s the best safety in football. Don't @ me. He does everything. Blitzes, covers, tackles. He’s the one guy on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart that is truly irreplaceable. Tykee Smith has been a nice find next to him, especially in the nickel role, but Winfield is the guy who makes the whole engine run.
What’s Actually Happening with Special Teams?
We can't ignore the third phase. Chase McLaughlin has been money. Honestly, after years of kicker drama in Tampa, it's nice to have a guy where you can actually go grab a snack during a field goal attempt and know it’s going through the uprights.
The return game is where it gets spicy. Kameron Johnson and Tez Johnson (no relation) have been battling for those PR/KR spots. Kameron has the edge right now because of his vision, but Sean Tucker and Rachaad White still get back there occasionally when the team needs a "spark."
Real-World Impact of Depth Chart Shifts
When you look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart, you’re looking at a team in the middle of a bridge. They’re bridging the gap between the Super Bowl LV era and whatever comes next.
The "what most people get wrong" part is thinking this team is rebuilding. They aren't. They’re retooling on the fly. You don't sign Haason Reddick and extend Baker Mayfield if you’re trying to tank.
But the depth is thin. Really thin. If Wirfs or Winfield go down for a long stretch, the season could spiral. That’s why these futures contracts they just signed—guys like Marcus Banks and Mohamed Kamara—are more important than the average fan realizes. These are the guys who will be playing on special teams and filling in during the "dog days" of the season.
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Actionable Insights for Bucs Fans
If you're tracking this team for fantasy, betting, or just because you bleed pewter and red, here is what you need to watch:
- Watch the Practice Reports: The offensive line health is the #1 predictor of a Bucs win. If Wirfs or Goedeke are "DNP" on a Thursday, be worried.
- Monitor Bucky Irving’s Snaps: He is officially the RB1 in everything but name. If his snap count keeps climbing, Rachaad White becomes a trade piece or a very expensive backup.
- The Secondary Shuffle: Keep an eye on Benjamin Morrison. If he starts consistently over Zyon McCollum, it means the coaching staff has seen enough and is ready to let the youth movement take over the perimeter.
- Baker's Shoulder: He’s been listed with a right shoulder/knee issue lately. He’s tough as nails, but a banged-up Baker isn't nearly as effective as a healthy one, especially when he starts trying to "hero ball" his way out of sacks.
The Buccaneers' roster is a puzzle that Jason Licht is still putting together. It’s a mix of legends, draft hits, and "next man up" miracles. Stay tuned to the weekly injury reports, because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart is basically a living document at this point.