Tristan Wirfs misses Week 1 after a knee procedure, forcing Tampa Bay to shuffle the line. Graham Barton steps in at left tackle, Ben Bredeson moves to center, and Michael Jordan starts at guard, a rotation built around Barton’s Duke-era left-tackle experience. The change tightens protection for Baker Mayfield and aims to preserve the run game while Wirfs rehabs.

Barton’s edge presence could unlock more mobility on the outside, letting Mayfield stay upright and the backs find better lanes early. If Barton settles in quickly, TB’s offense could maintain efficiency in Week 1 despite Wirfs’ absence and then recalibrate upon Wirfs’ return.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed a pressing need in their secondary during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting cornerback Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. With the Buccaneers' cornerback play being a major weakness last season, Morrison's versatility and skills in both man and zone coverage should significantly enhance their defense. At 6'1" and nearly 200 pounds, he boasts impressive physical attributes along with a solid track record, including nine interceptions in the past two seasons. However, concerns about his recovery from hip surgery linger, yet his potential impact as a ballhawk is undeniable.

The Buccaneers are banking on Morrison to provide competition for the starting cornerback role, particularly challenging Jamel Dean, who has struggled with injuries. Morrison was highly regarded prior to his surgery, and his performance in recent workouts has attracted attention from scouts. Draft analysts have rated his selection as an 'A', underscoring the hope that he can quickly adapt to the professional level and become a key player for Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made their mark by reaching the playoffs for the fifth straight season and clinching the NFC South title for the fourth time in a row. However, their postseason journey came to a halt in the Wild Card round against the Washington Commanders. Despite facing significant injuries, the Bucs managed to achieve a winning record, finishing slightly above their 2023 season total.

Notably, Tampa Bay transformed its identity this year under first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The Buccaneers' offense surged to a top-five ranking nationally, showcasing impressive stats across various categories, including a third-place finish in overall offense and scoring. The revitalization of their running game, spearheaded by rookie Bucky Irving, significantly contributed to this success, turning the team from one of the league's worst rushing offenses into a formidable unit.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coming off a decisive 48-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers, found themselves glued to the TV on Dec. 29, eagerly watching the Washington Commanders take on the Atlanta Falcons. A win for the Commanders was essential for the Bucs to maintain their playoff hopes in the NFC South. Following a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Bucs were tied with the Falcons, who had already secured the head-to-head tiebreaker.

As the game reached a tense finish, Falcons kicker Riley Patterson attempted a 56-yard field goal, which initially seemed successful. However, a late miss allowed the Commanders to prevail in overtime, keeping Tampa Bay’s playoff dreams alive. With everything on the line, the Buccaneers clinched the division and secured their fifth consecutive postseason appearance by defeating the New Orleans Saints 27-19 in Week 18.