TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield experienced his best season yet, contributing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ successful run which included a division title for the fourth year in a row and another playoff appearance, marking the fifth straight year they reached the postseason. However, their journey came to an abrupt end following a 23-20 defeat to the Washington Commanders in a wild-card playoff game, ending their season far from their championship aspirations.
Coach Todd Bowles expressed pride in the team’s performance throughout the year while acknowledging the disappointment. “It wasn’t good enough. The only team that’s going to be happy is the team that’s going to win the Super Bowl,” Bowles remarked on Monday, reflecting on the team’s shortcoming after Tom Brady led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2020, raising expectations significantly.
Despite the playoff loss, there are reasons for optimism surrounding the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield, who will turn 30 in April, is under contract and played like an elite quarterback this season, achieving a significant milestone by becoming only the fourth player in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards, throw 40 touchdowns, and maintain a completion percentage above 70. His teammates have rallied around him, and he appears to embody the expectations the Cleveland Browns had when they selected him first overall in the 2018 draft.
The Buccaneers are pleased to have Mayfield leading a strong core team that features standout players like All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, dynamic running back Bucky Irving, and tight end Cade Otton. Mayfield praised his teammates for stepping up throughout the season, saying, “There is a lot to be proud of. In this moment, that’s hard to see, but there’s a lot of young guys that are going to be on this roster next year that had to step up and did in a big way. That should build confidence for those guys.”
General Manager Jason Licht’s focus this offseason will likely center around strengthening the defense. Key areas that require attention include securing an edge rusher, bolstering the cornerback position, and finding quality linebackers.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, despite grappling with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games, still achieved his impressive 11th successive season of 1,000 or more receiving yards, now tied with NFL legend Jerry Rice for the record. In the playoff match against Washington, Evans performed admirably, recording seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, in addition to drawing a critical pass interference call in the end zone that unfortunately did not convert into further scoring.
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers’ prospects appear bright thanks to an impressive draft class. Players like center Graham Barton (first round), Bucky Irving (fourth round), and wide receiver Jalen McMillan (third round) emerged as immediate contributors. Barton helped solidify an offensive line that transformed their ground game, while Irving became Tampa Bay’s first rusher to surpass 1,000 yards since 2015. McMillan notably caught seven touchdown passes across his last five games, despite a crucial drop against Washington.
Additionally, safety Tykee Smith (third round) and backup linebacker Chris Braswell (second round) provided necessary support to a struggling defense that faced multiple injuries, missing key starters like safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Jamel Dean at various points in the season.
For the upcoming season, several key free agents will be a focal point. Among them are linebacker Lavonte David, wide receiver Chris Godwin, left guard Ben Bredeson, edge rushers Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, and special teams player Tavierre Thomas. Godwin, who is set to turn 29 in February, enjoyed a stellar start to the season before a dislocated ankle injury sidelined him in Week 7, finishing the season with 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns.
Meanwhile, veteran linebacker David, who has spent his entire 13-year career with the Buccaneers, faces an uncertain future following a career as a stalwart of the team’s defense. Bowles highlighted David’s significance, calling him “a coach on the field” who leads by example and can mentally guide players in tough circumstances. His leadership and play have been invaluable to the team.
