I’m finally grasping the realization that Coach Todd Bowles will remain in Tampa as the Bucs’ head coach in 2026. Now I’m left hoping for the best. Yet, we all know that hope isn’t a strategy. With the head coaching decision decided, I’ve put together the following (early) offseason plan to get us back to the top of the NFC South—and beyond.
Hire an OC PREFERABLY from the McVay/Shanahan Coaching Tree
The first crucial step is hiring a new offensive coordinator. We have a range of candidates to consider, but we must choose wisely.
1. Mike McDaniel: My top choice is the former Dolphins head coach. He’s a run game wizard who can implement a scheme that helps mask Bowles’ defensive deficiencies. McDaniel has a knack for utilizing offensive lines effectively, just as Liam Coen did.
Bucs’ OC Candidate Mike McDaniel
This Bucs line is not made up of road graders, but they have athleticism and cohesiveness. In 2025, the Dolphins averaged over 120 rushing yards per game, and I can only imagine how much Bucky Irving would thrive under his guidance.
2. Todd Monken: The ex-Falcons OC and former Bucs OC is another strong candidate. Although Monken is not from the McVay or Shanahan coaching trees, he can run a versatile offensive system that excels in both the run and pass games. He has experience with various coaching philosophies and demands precision from his players, ensuring they’re well-prepared.
Monken is also familiar with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin from his days as the OC in Tampa. He also has familiarity with Baker Mayfield from his coaching days in Cleveland.
3. Zac Robinson: The former Falcons offensive coordinator and Rams passing game coordinator has absorbed plenty of McVay’s insights. I don’t feel he was handed a great opportunity in Atlanta, as he dealt with a lose/lose quarterback situation.
At the bare minimum, if we the Bucs hired Robinson he could share with Bowles how he exploited the Bucs defense in the 4 contests his offense met Bowles defense. Robinson’s offense made him look like a genius in those games.
Resign these Free Agents
– Sign Mike Evans to a 1 year, $19M contract
– Re-sign Cade Otton and Greg Gaines for depth
Free Agency (or Trade) Acquisitions
One early free-agent pickup must include the pursuit of a proven pass rusher. My top target is Raiders edge rusher, Maxx Crosby. Although acquiring him would probably require a trade of at least a first-round pick in 2026 and possibly a third-rounder, hopefully pushed off to 2027.
Edge Rusher Maxx Crosby
I understand the reluctance to part with a first-rounder, but it’s time to take a calculated risk. When was the last time we truly hit a home run in the first round? It was probably Tristan Wirfs in 2020. While Calijah Kancey has great potential, he needs to prove he can stay healthy. Graham Barton is solid but not exceptional at center, and Emeka Egbuka had a promising rookie start but declined significantly over the last nine games.
Securing Crosby for even three or four years would be the home run we’ve been hoping for the last 5 years. He would be a leader by example and demand excellence from his defensive teammates. We haven’t had that since we had JPP and Ndamukong Suh.
If the trade for Crosby doesn’t materialize, I suggest pursuing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Even at 31, he still has productive years ahead. He’s worth a shot in free agency.
Sorry Bucs fans, don’t give me the “build through the draft” strategy. Even most first round edge players often struggle to produce at a high level during their rookie seasons. While James Pearce Jr. had a standout season for the Falcons, such cases are rare. If we don’t take a swing and bring in a solidified veteran pass rusher, we will again be asking “why can’t we get any pressure with our front four,” by week 3.
After securing a veteran edge rusher, I’d propose trading a fourth-round pick for Jordyn Brooks, the Miami Dolphins’ middle linebacker. He’s a dynamic player who excels in both run defense and coverage, making plays all over the field. Pairing him with Sir Vocea Dennis, or even a rookie MLB, would greatly enhance our defense.
MLB Jordyn Brooks
I know this involves giving up a first and a fourth-round pick this year. However, we have numerous holes to fill, and after missing on premium picks and free agents in recent years, we need to bring in proven talent.
Lastly, I suggest adding a defensive tackle and a tight end in free agency to round out our acquisitions.
Draft Strategy
In the draft, we need to focus on the trenches. If my plan with Crosby works, we’ll be out a 1st round pick and be left with second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh-round picks. I’d prioritize interior offensive linemen, defensive linemen, middle linebackers, and tight ends. I’ll delve into specifics in my draft articles come February and March.
Moves to Consider?
To create some salary cap space for our acquisitions, I’d consider the following difficult decisions:
– Trade Antoine Winfield for a fourth-round pick. His value is at its peak, and while he made the Pro-bowl in 2025, much of that was due to name recognition rather than overall performance. As he enters his seventh season, he may no longer possess the range needed to make a significant impact. There are many young safeties in the draft and free agency who could replace his abilities.
– Trade Chris Godwin for a fourth-round pick. This is a tough decision, as he’s one of my all-time favorite Bucs players. However, sometimes tough calls must be made. Godwin has a cap hit exceeding a staggering $33 million in 2026, and his trade value has diminished. If the opportunity arises, it may be time to move on.
Final Thoughts
This early offseason plan is subject to change as events unfold, but I believe it would set the Bucs on a promising trajectory. By adding more talent to our defense and smart offensive strategies, we can position ourselves for a return to the playoffs. If Bowles can maximize his defense and McDaniel can replicate Coen’s offensive success, we could see a significant turnaround next season. If Bowles’ defense continues to underperform despite these additions, then McDaniel may be in line to take over the team in 2027.
If McDaniel interviews at One Buc Place on Friday, we cannot let him leave the building without a deal in hand.
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While this is well written I don't agree with any of it
Rather keep Godwin and AWJ but I like Crosby and McDaniel additions!
We need a running back who can block
Great write up. Hard to imagine the Bucs giving up the 1st, but definitely agree that you dont really rely on big first years from drafted pass rushers,
With the caveat that of course you can never have too much pass rush, Diaby had 7 sacks with no Kancey next to him and Reddick busting out at 2 or 2.5. That might lead the Bucs to think that what they need is not as much Crosby for 1st round plus, but a healthy Kancey and a solid 7-9 sack guy to replace Reddick, sort of the Seahawks approach more than the Texans. For that matter, you could even see them saying to themselves that SVD in LVD's role is several more sacks.
I am not saying any of that is right, just saying its easy to see them thinking that way, especially because it so difficult to just suddenly find a double digit sack guy. Even the Licht history supports something more like this because Barrett was a guy with potential they hoped would arrive with more snaps. Even JPP was probably a 7-8 sack average, a little bit of a banged up veteran.
So if one were to try to project that approach, pass on Crosby for a "Barrett" (just needs a chance) or a "JPP" (proven vet) who would be today's version of a "Barrett" or "JPP?"
Yeah.
Good write up as usual, but respectfully disagree on a few things (particularly AWJ).
Would definitely strongly consider packaging Godwin in a deal w/ the Raiders for Crosby (plus a 2026 1st and 2027 3rd).
On the trade Godwin part, anything is possible, but hard to imagine the Bucs trading him, now especially:
"I did," Licht said when asked if he ever thought the Bucs might lose Godwin to free agency. "To be honest with you, I did. And it's not a good feeling. Stopped short of throwing up in my trash can in my office. Chris has meant a lot. Kind of went through the same thing last year with Mike (Evans). He's the epitome of a teammate, and I could say the same thing about Mike and Lavonte (David), too. We're just so fortunate to have veteran leaders like the three of them. I don't think we'll ever be able to replicate that.
"He left a lot of money on the table. He valued the culture here, the city, the fans, being able to hopefully retire as a Buccaneer. I think there's some value in that. I said at the press conference that we get a lot of kudos for being loyal to our players, but in this case, in a lot of these cases, I mean he was loyal to us. I'll forever be grateful for the decision he and (his wife) Mariah made."
Arians came here, Godwin was the key.
Canales came here, tried to play Gowwin outside, went right back to Godwins key role.
Coen comes here, offense runs through Godwin again.
So you'd expect that a new OC would have similar thoughts, but even if not Licht and the Bucs would be facing a pretty interesting controversy if they traded him against his wishes after the way the last deal went down (quote above)
Winfield is worth a 2nd. Godwin is worth a 3rd.
Crosby has a huge contract and as much as I'd love him I'm not willing to trade it all for him when we have so many glaring holes.
McDaniels I can get behind.
I'm a hell no to Otton. Gaines I'd be fine resigning for depth.
Crosby has a huge contract and as much as I'd love him I'm not willing to trade it all for him when we have so many glaring holes.
If I recall, Godwin and Crosby’s cap hits are almost identical for the next 2 seasons.
And, in the last 2 years of Maxx’s deal, his cap hit should be less than 8% of the projected cap.
Absolutely pull the trigger on this trade, if it only involves adding this year’s 1st rounder.
the Bucs to McDaniels or Monken
"we'd like to offer you the OC job but Evans is going to retire and we are going to trade Godwin and then use the draft and FA for the front 7 of the defense"
"and we expect your offense to carry the defense"
Crosby has a huge contract and as much as I'd love him I'm not willing to trade it all for him when we have so many glaring holes.
If I recall, Godwin and Crosby’s cap hits are almost identical for the next 2 seasons.
And, in the last 2 years of Maxx’s deal, his cap hit should be less than 8% of the projected cap.
Absolutely pull the trigger on this trade, if it only involves adding this year’s 1st rounder.
That's a big if on only a first. I'd be all for a 2nd + Godwin
the Bucs to McDaniels or Monken
"we'd like to offer you the OC job but Evans is going to retire and we are going to trade Godwin and then use the draft and FA for the front 7 of the defense"
"and we expect your offense to carry the defense"
Evans retiring is erroneous as it's out of our control.
But if he stayed: Tez, Egbuka, Evans, Bucky, Tucker+ FA plus Mauch back... Baker still had a solid season despite the narrative.
Looks attractive to me
Appreciate the write up, but all I see is doom and gloom for the 2026 season. I just cannot get over the bonehead owners decision to keep Todd Bowles as HC, AND let him continue as his own DC. How in the hell will the players perform for this HC after the disastrous end to the 2025 season? How will the players support this HC after he lost the locker room during the second half of the season? We as Bucs fans just have another season of mediocrity to look forward to in 2026. Can you hear how damn excited I am about the prospects for the 2026 season?
@bucsbits - the whole idea of that scares the hell out of me. Every year people walk back their concerns with the pass rush during the offseason, and we end up in the same situation. Let’s go thru this again:
Yaya - solid #2. Would excel more with a stud bookend edge added.
Kancey - “healthy” Kancey is only theoretical. Cant depend on it.
Im just saying, everyone always thinks we’re closer than we end of being on fixing the problem. Please, we can’t make that mistake again. We don’t develop guys. They come in with what they come in with. We’ve got to go over and above and get an almost guaranteed stud.
@bucsbits - the whole idea of that scares the hell out of me. Every year people walk back their concerns with the pass rush during the offseason, and we end up in the same situation. Let’s go thru this again:
Yaya - solid #2. Would excel more with a stud bookend edge added.
Kancey - “healthy” Kancey is only theoretical. Cant depend on it.
Im just saying, everyone always thinks we’re closer than we end of being on fixing the problem. Please, we can’t make that mistake again. We don’t develop guys. They come in with what they come in with. We’ve got to go over and above and get an almost guaranteed stud.
I definitely see your point that is why i mentioned it as something THEY might be thinking.
Thanks for doing the write ups. Always thought provoking.
