Former Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has done a great job transitioning from being an NFL player to an analyst in his second career. Even though McCoy regularly discusses all 32 NFL teams, he’s always going to have his eye on the Bucs.

Former Bucs DT Gerald McCoy – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

He still has former teammates and good friends on the current roster with wide receiver Mike Evans and inside linebacker Lavonte David. Being a former Oklahoma Sooner, it’s probably fair to say that McCoy would want the best for fellow Sooner and quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Can Mayfield and the Bucs continue to grow from what they did a season ago and also maintain atop the post of the NFC South?

Not much of the national media believes so, but McCoy had a better inkling about what Tampa Bay can do this year. Appearing on the NFL Insiders with Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Gerald McCoy made a bold prediction about the Bucs.

Gerald McCoy Shares Opinion On 2024 Bucs

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Now these guys are more comfortable with each other,” McCoy began. “Mike Evans is Mike Evans, Chris Godwin is Chris Godwin, Baker is feeling great. I believe the Buccaneers will go on Year 4 of winning the NFC South — sorry, NFC South, I said it and I’m standing on it.”

More than just winning the division, McCoy believes this is just the beginning for the Bucs and their core group. Sure, Evans and David are a bit older, but with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs in tow, Yaya Diaby looking legitimate and a promising rookie class, the Bucs could be set up for longer than most.

“Oh, this is just the beginning,” Gerald McCoy said. “Wait until the big cameras come on. I’m gonna talk crazy to all y’all.”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

McCoy has never been one to back away from his belief. It’s also fascinating to see so many people doubt them once again.

At times it feels like other teams get the benefit of the doubt when Tampa Bay doesn’t. It’s almost as if they were penalized for re-signing players rather than finding new ones. But drafting players and re-signing them because of their performance is an accomplishment in of itself.

If people still want to look past Tampa Bay, that’s fine. The team feels better when they are slighted, especially quarterback Baker Mayfield. Early on this offseason, Mayfield has been given huge responsibility for leading this team into 2024. It should translate when the season arrives.

The Bucs have made a living off of proving others wrong. This season can be another example of it.

Check out the full segment with McCoy on The Insiders below.