The vibe around Raymond James Stadium right now is, honestly, a little weird. If you’ve been scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen the fire-and-brimstone takes following that late-season collapse. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went from a promising 6-2 start to finishing 8-9, watching the playoffs from the couch while the Panthers and Falcons snuck in. It’s frustrating. People are looking for a scapegoat, and while Todd Bowles is the easy target, the reality of the news Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are waking up to is way more layered than just "fire the coach."
Basically, the Glazer family decided to stay the course with Bowles for 2026. That move has split the fanbase right down the middle. Some see it as "shades of cowardice" or just plain complacency. Others realize that firing a head coach who has technically kept you competitive in the post-Brady era—even if it’s just barely—is a massive risk when your salary cap looks like a Jenga tower in a windstorm.
The Mike McDaniel Rumors and the OC Carousel
One of the biggest pieces of news hitting the wires is the search for a new offensive coordinator. Bowles survived, but he didn't hesitate to clean house elsewhere. Out goes Josh Grizzard, who, let’s be real, never quite got the rhythm right with Baker Mayfield.
On Friday, January 16, the team confirmed they met with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Yes, that Mike McDaniel. Since being let go in Miami, he’s been the hottest name on the market. If the Bucs actually land him, it changes the entire narrative of the 2026 season. Imagine that "fast-snap motion" offense paired with Baker’s gunslinger mentality. It’s a dream on paper, but McDaniel is also talking to the Ravens, Chargers, and Lions.
The team also brought back a familiar face for an interview: Todd Monken. He’s spent the last few seasons orchestrating high-powered attacks in Baltimore, but he has deep roots in Tampa. It feels like the front office is swinging for the fences here because they know the offense was the primary reason they left so many wins on the table last year.
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The Baker Mayfield Contract Problem
We need to talk about Baker. He’s been a win-win for this franchise, making two Pro Bowls in three years. But here’s the kicker: 2026 is the final year of his deal.
The news Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans really need to keep an eye on is his cap hit. According to Spotrac, Mayfield is set to count for nearly $52 million against the cap this year. That is a massive number for a quarterback who, while gritty and beloved, hasn't exactly carried the team to a deep playoff run lately.
The front office has a choice. They can extend him now to lower that 2026 hit and kick the can down the road, or they can let him play it out and risk him walking for nothing in 2027. If they extend both Baker and star edge rusher YaYa Diaby this offseason, they’re looking at only having about $23 million left for free agency. That’s not a lot of breathing room when you have holes to fill.
Why the Defense Was an "Utter Disgrace"
It’s a harsh phrase, but it’s been floating around the local media. The defense struggled mightily in the second half of 2025. A lot of that was injury-related—losing Calijah Kancey for 15 weeks to a pectoral injury was a backbreaker. Kancey is back now, having been activated for the finale, but the unit as a whole looked slow.
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With Lavonte David likely heading toward retirement at age 36, the leadership gap is massive. David has been the heartbeat of this defense for over a decade. Replacing him isn't just about finding a guy who can tackle; it's about finding a "field general." That’s why you’re seeing draft experts like Rob Gregson link the Bucs to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles Jr. in the first round. The team needs youth and speed, and they need it yesterday.
Roster Moves You Might Have Missed
While the big names dominate the headlines, the Bucs have been busy filling out the "futures" roster. They signed 14 players to reserve/futures contracts recently, including:
- WR Garrett Greene (the undrafted rookie who showed flashes in camp)
- DT Nash Hutmacher
- LB Nick Jackson
- RB Michael Wiley
These aren't "sexy" signings, but look at last year. Guys like C.J. Brewer and Ryan Miller started on futures deals and ended up playing meaningful snaps in the regular season. In a league where injuries happen at a 100% rate, these are the moves that keep you afloat in November.
What Really Matters: The 2026 Free Agent Exodus
The list of pending free agents is honestly a bit scary. Mike Evans is technically a void-year candidate, Jamel Dean is looking at a $15 million-a-year market value, and Rachaad White has been posting some cryptic stuff on social media that suggests he’s played his last snap in Tampa.
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White, specifically, seems frustrated. He’s been a workhorse, but with Bucky Irving emerging as a dynamic threat in his rookie campaign, the Bucs might decide that paying a veteran running back isn't the best use of their limited cash.
Actionable Insights for Bucs Fans
If you're trying to track how this offseason will actually go, don't just watch the scoreboard. Watch the "cash flow."
- Monitor the OC Hire: If it’s McDaniel or Monken, expect a high-volume passing attack that prioritizes Mike Evans (if he stays) and Jalen McMillan.
- The February 17 Deadline: This is when the team can use the Franchise Tag. If they can’t reach a long-term deal with a key defender, this is the date things get real.
- Restructure Watch: The Bucs can open up over $100 million in cap space if they restructure nine specific veterans, including Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. If they don't restructure Vita Vea, that’s a loud signal they might be planning for a "post-Vea" world in 2027.
The 2026 season isn't a "rebuild," but it's definitely a "retool." The NFC South is wide open—the Panthers and Falcons aren't exactly world-beaters—but the Bucs can't afford another year of "just okay" coaching and inconsistent play-calling.
Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl on January 31. That’s where Jason Licht usually finds the small-school gems that end up starting on Sundays. The path back to the top of the South starts there, not just in the high-priced free agency market.
Next Steps to Stay Informed:
- Check the official NFL transactions wire on February 17 to see if any franchise tags are applied.
- Follow local beat writers for updates on the second round of OC interviews, which are expected to wrap up by the end of next week.
- Review the 2026 draft order; the Bucs are currently sitting at pick 15, which is a prime spot for a top-tier defensive playmaker.