By: Michael Higgins

The Buccaneers gave QB Baker Mayfield a chance to start when nobody else would. Not only did he do his job as a bridge quarterback, but he played himself into a contract extension with the team. As they look towards the future with Mayfield, they may not have to hit the hard reset button with their roster.

The team went 9-8 to win the division in 2023. Many would consider that as exceeding expectations. The Bucs are only going to continue to grow as quarterback situation is figured out and they continue to build their defense. 

In the offseason, they lost OLB Shaq Barrett, IOL Matt Feiler, WR Russell Gage, IOL Ryan Jensen, SAF Ryan Neal, and LB Devin White. All of these guys made an impact during their time in Tampa, no matter how big or small. With that being said, they are very capable of replacing the losses.

Tampa disappointed me in free agency. They did not make enough noise for me to be confident in them holding off the other teams in the division. The only player they signed with any chance at seeing significant action is SAF Jordan Whitehead. I also do not believe they did anything special in the draft. They took OT Graham Barton in the 1st round and are likely to kick him inside to guard. Tampa also snagged EDGE Chris Braswell, SAF Tykee Smith, WR Jalen McMillan, and RB Bucky Irving. All of those names should expect to see a decent snap share as rookies.

The Bucs start the season at home against the Commanders, then go on the road to battle the Lions, and come back home for two home games against the Broncos and Eagles. The Buccaneers will start the season 2-2.

They kick October off in Atlanta against the Falcons on Thursday Night Football, stay on the road to battle the Saints, have a home date against the Ravens on Monday Night Football, and then another home game against the Falcons. The Buccaneers go 1-3 in October.

November starts in Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. They follow that by hosting the 49ers, going on a Week 11 bye, and travel to face the Giants. The Bucs go 1-2 in November.

The final stretch lightens up for the Buccaneers. They travel to play the Panthers, host the Raiders, have two straight road games against the Chargers and Cowboys, then two home games against the Panthers and Saints to end the game. The Buccaneers go 4-2 in the final stretch of the season.

I have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going 8-9 in 2024. They did not do well enough to replace the losses they sustained in the offseason. However, I do not think they are poised for a full rebuild. There is a path for them to quickly retool and form another contender in the next few seasons.

2023 Record: 9-8

2024 Prediction: 8-9