Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2026

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Adam Slivon, Bailey Adams, and Josh Queipo have devised their own Bucs Plans for the 2026 offseason. These come complete with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster moves, and draft picks to hopefully help Tampa Bay get back to winning the NFC South and returning to the playoffs.

Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com staff members would reshape the team this offseason – not necessarily what we think Tampa Bay will do in free agency and the draft, although there could be some overlap with certain players the team may be targeting.

With the Bucs budgeting about $50 million in cash to spend – not salary cap room – that’s how much each Pewter Reporter is allowed to spend in free agency targeting new players and re-signing some current players. The $50 million does not include the money already allocated for the 2026 rookie salary pool and the practice squad.

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Adam Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2026 Offseason

There is no getting around the fact that the Bucs are in an interesting spot and at a bit of a crossroads this offseason. In deciding to keep head coach Todd Bowles, the Glazers have doubled down on their belief that he is the man to lead Tampa Bay back to the top of the NFC South. As the other teams in the division improve, there is plenty of work to be done and hard decisions must be made.

Working within the constraints of around $50 million in cash to spend, it has reached the point where it is difficult forking out nearly half that to wide receiver Mike Evans while checking off every box in what the first-ballot Hall of Famer wants heading into 2026.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: IMAGN Images

Evans wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, and the Bucs just are not there. Other teams such as the Patriots and 49ers have stacked rosters and can afford giving him between $22-24 million annually. Tampa Bay does not have the same talent and would be in a bind offering anything more than $20 million while properly addressing the defense.

With that being said, it is more Evans’ decision to leave in free agency in the hopes of finding greener grass to land his second Super Bowl ring. Desperately needing to add talent to compete and overcome this significant blow, it is time to get more aggressive while toeing the line between being competitive in the present and in the future.

That means moving up and down the draft board to acquire more pick capital but not mortgaging the future for a veteran player. While the Bucs are in a good position, trading one or two first-round picks and more does not get them over the hump and put them in a great position. What does in my mind is emphasizing the addition of several significant free agents and draft picks to the front seven.

This remains the most talented team in the NFC South, with the kind of star power and current core that has proven to win games, with a couple of players remaining from the 2020 Super Bowl squad. Now it is time to turn a playoff caliber team into one that can take the next step and get back on track to opening another window to compete for the Lombardi Trophy.

Bucs Contract Restructures

The Bucs are currently sitting with just about $20 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. Needing that to cover the cost of the 2026 draft class, 16-man practice squad, and in-season roster moves, restructures must be done. To clear out the needed cap space and open the door to the moves I want to make this offseason, I decided to restructure three contracts to create an additional $47,381,000 in cap space. In doing so, I elect to not to create any additional void years to push money even further down the road.

LT Tristan Wirfs – $18.525 million with no new void years
RT Luke Goedeke – $15.206 million with no new void years
S Antoine Winfield Jr. – $13.65 million with no new void years

Bucs Cuts

OLB Anthony Nelson – Nelson has had splash moments as a contributor to the Bucs pass rush, but he is nothing more than a fourth or fifth option who can make a spot start or two a season. While carving out a lengthy stay in Tampa Bay, I decide to part ways with the 2019-fourth round pick to save $1.9 million in cap space. At 29 years old, he has no more upside, which is what I want plenty of in the outside linebacker room going forward.

Bucs Trades

Trade OLB Chris Braswell To Raiders In Swap Of Day 2 Picks and 2027 seventh-round pick – While the Bucs 2024 draft class has produced four starters in Graham Barton, Tykee Smith, Jalen McMillan, and Bucky Irving, Braswell has not panned out as a second-round pick. Through 34 games, he has yet to start a game in a room lacking production and carries just 2.5 sacks to his name. At this point, the only value he provides Tampa Bay is on special teams, which is not enough for me to continue rostering him.

Bucs OLB Chris Braswell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

As I contemplate what to do with Braswell, I phone Raiders general manager John Spytek to work out a trade. Spytek thought highly of him during his time under Jason Licht and can give him an extended run like he has with other players, including former Bucs Devin White and Charles Snowden. Desiring to get something out of this move for 2026, we swap third-round picks so I can move up ten spots (from No. 77 to No. 67). In addition, Spytek throws in a 2027 seven-round pick as a sweetener to get the deal done, and $740,917 is saved in cap space.

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

WR Sterling Shepard – 1 year, $1.7 million – “Shep”  has carved out a nice niche as a veteran wide receiver in a young room. After showing a nice gesture in giving him a roster bonus for statistics he just missed, he gets another one-year deal with a slight raise to stick around. Losing Mike Evans will change the identity and vibe at the position, but Shepard remains to contribute as needed and as a veteran voice, particularly for young wideouts Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson.

OL Dan Feeney – 1 year, $1.35 million – Signed midseason in 2025, Feeney proved to be the team’s best option at right guard, playing in 12 games, starting 10 of them. As a veteran backup who fits in well with the offensive line, I have no problem bringing him back as a depth piece.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

WR Mike Evans
ILB Lavonte David
OLB Haason Reddick
CB Jamel Dean
DT Logan Hall
RB Rachaad White
TE Cade Otton
TE Ko Kieft
DT Greg Gaines
OT Charlie Heck
CB Kindle Vildor
OL Mike Jordan
ILB Deion Jones
ILB Anthony Walker Jr.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
S J.T. Gray
OLB Markees Watts (ERFA)
OT Tyler McLellan (ERFA)

Restricted/Exclusive Rights Free Agents Re-Signed

RB Sean Tucker – 1 year, $2.25 million – Giving Tucker a $3.52 million first right of refusal tender was a little too rich. Instead, he comes back with the promise of (finally) getting more touches in a running back room without Rachaad White. Competition will be brought in, but “The Buck and Tuck Show” returns for another season.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

DB Christian Izien – 1 year, $2.25 million – Izien’s role declined last season after Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish were brought in. He no longer had a starting spot and saw limited playing time. Still, he is a fit for Todd Bowles’ defense and is a versatile defensive back who has flashed moments of solid play. There is a chance he can carve out more of a role in situations where Parrish plays outside or Bowles gets creative with the defensive scheme.

LS Eric Deckers – 2 years, $2 million – There is not much to say about Deckers, which is a good thing about a long snapper. He does his job and is cheap enough to bring back on a multi-year deal.

QB Connor Bazelak – 1 year, $1 million – Bazelak was the most efficient Bucs quarterback throughout the last preseason. He will once again be stashed on the practice squad.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

OLB Khalil Mack – 1 year, $14 million

I have long had interest in acquiring Mack, having featured him in last year’s Bucs Battle Plan. Now 35 years old, the nine-time Pro Bowler can be had at an even more affordable price point that allows the stars to finally align. Mack can still consistently force pressure on the QB and be a plus run defender. He will open things up for Yaya Diaby, Calijah Kancey, and Vita Vea to create more havoc. Mack would play about 60% of the defensive snaps and serve as a key mentor for the young pass rushers in the room. They can watch and learn from one of the best pass rushers of his generation.

ILB Devin Bush – 3 years, $36 million

With Lavonte David deciding to retire, the need for a quality inside linebacker is dire. Few linebackers in the NFL played as well as Bush did for the Browns last season. Bush put together an elite season, finishing with 125 tackles, three interceptions (two pick-sixes), and two sacks. Todd Bowles wants a rangy, do-it-all linebacker, and Bush is that guy. Even on the shorter side at 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds, the 27-year-old fits the run well and is apt in coverage, as seen by his playmaking ability. He was a top 10 linebacker in each metric and is just hitting his stride to solidify the position for the next three seasons.

Browns ILB Devin Bush – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ken Blaze

CB Rasul Douglas – 1 year, $6.5 million

Losing Jamel Dean stings after he had a career year, but Douglas would come in to fill his role and check a lot of the same boxes. After a down year in 2024 with the Bills, the veteran corner bounced back with the Dolphins in 2025. Starting 13 games, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound Douglas recorded 62 tackles, 13 passes defensed, and two interceptions. From 2021 to 2023, he had four or more interceptions each season. His size, track record of being a ball hawk, and fit in a zone-heavy defensive scheme gives him the chance to come in and compete with Benjamin Morrison as the second starting outside cornerback and playing meaningful defensive snaps in 2026 regardless.

DT DaQuan Jones – 1 year, $4.5 million

While I am high on Elijah Roberts’ ability to develop into a starter and at least provide Logan Hall production, it does not hurt adding a veteran defensive tackle with more production than Greg Gaines. Jones has spent the last four seasons under new Bucs defensive line coach Marcus West in Buffalo, putting together one solid season after another, contributing 10 sacks during that span and being a run stuffer. Jones is also highly regarded for his veteran presence, and the 34-year-old can still play 50-60% of the defensive snaps to keep Vita Vea fresh. For the price point, this is a bargain and he can hit the ground running.

OL Teven Jenkins – 1 year, $2.75 million

Jenkins is one of the best value offensive linemen on the open market. Per Pro Football Focus, he has graded no worse than being the 14th-best offensive guard in the NFL over the last four seasons. While starting four games at right guard last season with the Browns, Jenkins was the Bears starting right guard for three years and got a couple of starts at left tackle as a rookie. His versatility is vital based on what happened to the Bucs in 2025 when Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson missed significant time due to injury. Jenkins is brought in as a key depth piece who can compete with and maybe supplant Bredeson at left guard.

S Miles Killebrew – 1 year, $1.35 million

Danny Smith’s arrival plays a part in the next two signings to round out the secondary. Killebrew is a two-time Pro Bowler solely for his special teams acumen. The 32-year-old is coming off a torn ACL, but he leads all active players with four blocked punts. Since entering the NFL in 2016, he has 86 tackles on special teams, which is the fifth-most during that span. Smith has his work cut out for him overhauling his unit, but bringing in a dynamic playmaker and special teams captain familiar with his operation is one of the easiest decisions to make.

CB James Pierre – 1 year, $1.35 million

Pierre is another player with a longstanding connection with Smith, having played the past six seasons with the Steelers. While serving as a key special teamer during that span, his cornerback play over the last five games in 2025 is highly intriguing. Pierre had 19 tackles, five passes defensed, an interception, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown to close out the regular season. Among all cornerbacks, PFF ranked him as the second-best behind Devon Witherspoon and gave him the top coverage grade. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he has the size and ability to bump Josh Hayes from the roster. He is worth the flier to see if his production can carry over to Tampa Bay.

Slivon’s 2026 Bucs Draft Picks

The Bucs had all of their original picks heading into the offseason, but I make a couple of trades to add pick capital and secure the players I want. Among my eight draft picks below, it ended up being an even split of four defensive players and four offensive players. Each defensive player taken addresses the front seven as I doubled up at inside linebacker and outside linebacker.

I traded down from No. 15 to No. 21, as the Steelers decide to jump right ahead of the Jets to secure Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Doing so not only meant getting their first-round pick, but it also meant acquiring a third-round pick (No. 76) and fourth-round pick (No. 121). I then traded my second-round pick (No. 46) and that fourth-round pick to the Chiefs to move up in the second round at No. 40 to secure a highly coveted player. Note: the third-round pick (No. 67) was acquired in a pick swap with the Raiders in the Chris Braswell trade.

ROUND 1 (No. 21) – Texas A&M OLB Cashius Howell

Howell has been linked to the Bucs at No. 15 over the past couple of months. He has been knocked for his arm length which causes him to fall to No. 21, but there is something to say about the pass rush juice he would provide in Tampa Bay. Howell had 11.5 sacks for the Aggies last season and enters the NFL with an impressive arsenal of pass rushing moves and plus athleticism to quickly get into the backfield and affect the quarterback. With Khalil Mack joining Yaya Diaby, Howell has less pressure on him as a rookie. He can immediately contribute as a designated pass rusher before taking over a starting job in 2027.

ROUND 2 (No. 40) – Texas Tech ILB Jacob Rodriguez

It has gotten hard seeing Rodriguez fall in the draft. With that in mind, it is worth the Bucs moving up to grab him just in case. There are few players who have done more to elevate their draft stock since the college football season ended, which is saying something for someone who finished fifth in the 2025 Heisman voting. Rodriguez is a pure football player who finds ways to make big plays happen, as evidenced by him recording 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and even a rushing touchdown last season. At 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, he will be a starter immediately next to Devin Bush.

ROUND 3 (No. 67) – Ohio State TE Max Klare

The Bucs have to add another tight end after seeing Cade Otton leave in free agency. Few make more sense to fill Otton’s role than Klare. Transferring to play at Ohio State for one season, the 6-foot-4, 246-pound tight end put together a solid season with 43 catches, 448 yards, and two touchdowns. Klare is an athletic tight end with an advanced route tree, showcasing the ability to be a chain-mover at the next level. He will have to make strides as a blocker, but he will have every chance to claim the starting job and work in lockstep with Payne Durham, who he was teammates with at Purdue in 2022.

ROUND 3 (No. 76) – Pittsburgh ILB Kyle Louis

Louis is the second inside linebacker drafted to revamp the room. Listed at just 6-foot and 220 pounds, there are concerns about his size. That is understandable, but my counterpoint is to turn on the tape, watch him, and say he will not will his way to success. Louis plays with a shark mentality and was a leader for the Panthers’ defense over the last two seasons. He really stepped up during that span, recording 182 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. With high-end speed and elite coverage abilities, he will find a way on the field in Todd Bowles’ defense, with the chance to wear multiple hats as a hybrid defender.

ROUND 4 (No. 116) – Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton

Losing Rachaad White hurts, but the Bucs find a real steal with Singleton falling to the fourth round. Penn State’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns broke his foot at the Senior Bowl, but there is no questioning what he can bring to an offense when healthy. Singleton has a great blend of size and speed, built similarly to White at 6-foot and 219 pounds. While ceding time to Kaytron Allen last season, he proved his worth with 13 rushing touchdowns and being a plus receiving back, as he was throughout his college career. Sean Tucker will get more of an opportunity, but Singleton has a chance to be a Rachaad White-lite for Zac Robinson’s offense.

ROUND 5 (No. 153) – Penn State QB Drew Allar

What better way to get Nicholas Singleton and Allar acclimated by pairing them together with back-to-back picks? The Nittany Lions quarterback had a rollercoaster college career, which included suffering a season-ending ankle injury last season. Still, there is a lot to like about Allar developing into a promising signal-caller behind Baker Mayfield, who happens to be someone he is quite a fan of. At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Allar checks the prototypical size box. He has the ability to make any throw but must make strides processing and finding his rhythm. It is worth taking a chance on him becoming a quality backup option.

ROUND 6 (No. 194) – Wisconsin OLB Mason Reiger

Reiger is the second outside pass rusher added, and for a Day 3 flier, there is a lot to like about his game. Right now, he generates more pressure than sacks, but he has the tools to grow into a more polished product. Reiger finds way to quickly beat his matchup and get around them while possessing a high motor and clear enjoyment for the art of pursuing the QB. He has work to do in the run game, lacking the power to consistently close lanes. At 23, he has time to refine his game and can do so in the same room at Yaya Diaby, who was his teammate for two seasons at Louisville.

ROUND 7 (No. 229) – Michigan TE/FB Max Bredeson

If that last name looks familiar, that is because Max Bredeson is the younger brother of the Bucs left guard. He is not as massive as his brother Ben, listed at “just” 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. The younger Bredeson would come in to fill Ko Kieft’s role as a blocking tight end and lining up in fullback formations. Blocking runs in the family, and that is where the 2025 LowMan Trophy winner excels. While fullbacks are a rarity in the modern NFL, it is worth taking a chance at how he can fit in Tampa Bay.

Slivon’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

QUARTERBACKS – 2

QB Baker Mayfield
QB Drew Allar

Analysis: Baker Mayfield leads the room in a contract year. With Zac Robinson calling plays, Mayfield will be hoping to return close to his level of play in 2024 and avoid the second half lull he and the team had in 2025. Drew Allar makes the team as the top backup after being drafted on Day 3, while Connor Bazelak remains the third quarterback on the practice squad.

RUNNING BACKS – 4

RB Bucky Irving
RB Sean Tucker
RB Nicholas Singleton
RB Josh Williams

Analysis: Led by Bucky Irving, there is a lot to like about this stable of running backs. Irving is another player aiming to bounce back and have the kind of success he found as a rookie. Sean Tucker will get increased opportunities without Rachaad White, but Nicholas Singleton will push him hard and find a way to carve out a role. Josh Williams makes the roster primarily for his ability as a return specialist.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 6

WR Emeka Egbuka
WR Chris Godwin Jr.
WR Jalen McMillan
WR Tez Johnson
WR Sterling Shepard
WR Kam Johnson

Analysis: This is the room with the most continuity heading into 2026. Of course, no Mike Evans means Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan will have increased roles on offense. Each will be an outside receiver, with Chris Godwin Jr. working in the slot as a high-volume target. Tez Johnson flashed as a rookie and will get playing time, while Sterling Shepard and Kam Johnson are valuable reserves.

TIGHT ENDS – 4

TE Max Klare
TE Payne Durham
TE Devin Culp
TE Max Bredeson

Analysis: Max Klare will immediately become the starter but will not play the majority of snaps like Cade Otton did in recent seasons. That is where Payne Durham will come in, especially as a blocker. Devin Culp will get a bit more playing time to showcase his receiving ability, while Max Bredeson will be used sparingly as a fullback and in goal line situations.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 9

LT Tristan Wirfs
LG Ben Bredeson
C Graham Barton
RG Cody Mauch
RT Luke Goedeke
OT Ben Chukwuma
OL Teven Jenkins
OL Elijah Klein
OL Dan Feeney

Analysis: The starting five is set, with Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke arguably being the best tackle duo in the NFL. Cody Mauch returns after missing most of last season and has a big year ahead of him entering a contract year. Graham Barton remains at the pivot, with Ben Bredeson at left guard and serving as the backup center. Teven Jenkins will push Bredeson along the interior, while Elijah Klein and Dan Feeney provide additional guard depth. Luke Haggard makes the practice squad.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 5

DT Vita Vea
DT Calijah Kancey
DT DaQuan Jones
DT Elijah Roberts
DT Jayson Jones

Analysis: This group is at a bit of a crossroads, with Vita Vea 31 years old and Calijah Kancey having yet to stay healthy for a full season in his career. Daquan Jones comes in to help fill the void left by Logan Hall, with Elijah Roberts playing a more significant role as well. Jayson Jones is a developmental nose tackle who will see some snaps when Vea needs a breather. Elijah Simmons is the sixth defensive lineman, starting the year on the practice squad.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

ILB Devin Bush
ILB Jacob Rodriguez
ILB SirVocea Dennis
ILB Kyle Louis
ILB Nick Jackson

Analysis: This room sees the most year-over-year change with two new starters. Devin Bush and Jacob Rodriguez will form a potent one-two punch up the middle that will allow Todd Bowles to breathe a sigh of relief. Behind them are two former Pittsburgh linebackers in SirVocea Dennis and Kyle Louis. Dennis is capable of filling in when needed, while Louis could see time in pass coverage situations. Nick Jackson remains as a special teamer.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

OLB Khalil Mack
OLB Yaya Diaby
OLB Cashius Howell
OLB David Walker
OLB Mason Reiger

Analysis: How this room is built draws parallels to Master Splinter and the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles. Khalil Mack is the elder statesman and will impart his wisdom down to the rest of the room. Yaya Diaby will be looking to step up and has a quality pass rusher to play off. Cashius Howell will get about 30-40% of the snaps as a pass rush specialist along with David Walker. Mason Reiger will not play too much but offers more upside at the end of the roster than Anthony Nelson.

CORNERBACKS – 5

CB Zyon McCollum
CB Benjamin Morrison
CB Jacob Parrish
CB Rasul Douglas
CB James Pierre

Analysis: The top of the depth chart is all players the Bucs have heavily invested in over the past year. It is now or never for Zyon McCollum to prove he can be a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL. Benjamin Morrison has much to prove himself, with the former second-round pick expected to fill Jamel Dean’s shoes. If he fails to, Rasul Douglas can step in and hold it down. Jacob Parrish will mostly play in the nickel but can rotate outside. James Pierre makes the team over Josh Hayes as a special teamer who can play corner in a pinch. Hayes comes back on the practice squad.

SAFETIES – 5

SS Tykee Smith
FS Antoine Winfield Jr.
S Christian Izien
S JJ Roberts
S Miles Killebrew

Analysis: As it stands, Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. are one of the better safety duos in the game. Smith has not even reached his full potential as a playmaker, while Winfield can return to being more of an instinctive roamer on the backend. Christian Izien and JJ Roberts can fill in the gaps as backup safety and nickel options. Miles Killebrew brings a veteran presence but will be the ace special teamer.

SPECIALISTS – 3

K Chase McLaughlin
P Riley Dixon
LS Eric Deckers

Analysis: Nothing changes here. Chase McLaughlin can hit from anywhere, while Riley Dixon got better as 2025 went along. Each will be hoping for a bit more consistency in 2026.

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What Do You Think Of Adam Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan?

Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan? Which player acquisitions did you like the most? What changes would you’ve made if you were in charge of Tampa Bay’s free agent signings and draft picks? Sound off below in the article comments!