In years past the Bucs have been big on re-signing their own players instead of bringing in new ones to their team culture. This year was a little bit different, and head coach Todd Bowles addressed the philosophy shift at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

While Tampa Bay did have one big re-signing by inking a deal with starting tight end Cade Otton, and a few other smaller re-signings with backup offensive lineman Dan Feeney, reserve running back Sean Tucker and backup tight end Ko Kieft returning, Tampa Bay mostly brought in a new group of players to revamp the team in 2026.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

A couple of these players are here to change the attitude and playing style compared to the players that they are replacing. Ideally, these new additions were signed so that the team can be better and improve upon a disappointing 8-9 season. That’s why when Bowles talked about what these new players will bring, it’s not necessarily trying to diss the players that left, but share what he feels is the truth.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles Explains Why A’Shawn Robinson, Kenneth Gainwell Are Upgrades

There are two players in particular that came to mind for Todd Bowles when discussing upgrades through free agency while at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The first is defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who is replacing Logan Hall, and the other is Kenneth Gainwell and his insertion into the Buccaneers backfield with Rachaad White gone.

Here’s what Bowles had to say about Robinson and Gainwell.

Bucs DT A’Shawn Robinson – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jim Dedmon

“If you stay the same, sometimes you get the same results,” Bowles said. “We thought we had to make a few tweaks coaching-wise and playing-wise. We thought we got better, we got different and we got better.

“I think Logan is a little more athletic than A’Shawn. A’Shawn brings a lot more toughness and stoutness and sturdiness from that standpoint. Rachaad was a very good back for us on third down and could block. I think Gainwell brings a little bit more versatility from a three-team prong standpoint as far as running, catching, blocking and special teams. Not that Rachaad wasn’t great, because he was. So you try to build those guys.”

Robinson immediately made an impact in his introductory press conference when he talked about his playing mentality and willingness to spar with opponents on the other team. That’s why Bowles mentioned a toughness and stoutness to the team overall.

Gainwell has a little more electricity as a running back for Tampa Bay’s offense. That explosiveness is much more present, and with Bucky Irving’s injury last season, it’s very important to have a player that can take the baton and produce just as much when the team needs it. Add in Gainwell’s prowess as a returner on special teams and one can see why he’s viewed as an upgrade – especially with White’s desire to leave to Tampa Bay where he felt like he was playing second fiddle to Irving.

Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Bucky’s No. 1 and obviously Kenneth is 1B,” Bowles said. “Bucky is 1A and Kenneth is 1B. I think it will be a great 1-2 punch, but Bucky will be the starter for sure.”

Between Robinson’s stoutness and nasty attitude, and Gainwell’s desire to be in Tampa Bay and bring more explosiveness to the backfield, there’s a sense that the Buccaneers defensive line and running back room, respectively.