Initially predicted to only win five games and draft in the top-10 due to the retirement of their greatest quarterback, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield in the offseason after he was cut from Carolina and Los Angeles. Mayfield won the starting quarterback position over Kyle Trask and led the team to three wins in their first four games, with the only loss against the Eagles. However, the Buccaneers then went on to lose six of their next seven games, including a close loss to the Bills. They finished the season strong, winning five of their next six games and securing a spot in the playoffs as the 4-seed. Mayfield had a standout game against the Packers, throwing for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns with a perfect passing rating.
The Buccaneers ended their season with a 30-12 win over the Jaguars, a loss to the Saints at home, and a tight victory against the Panthers that secured their spot in the playoffs. The team made it to the playoffs thanks to three field goals from Chase McLaughlin.
Although the Buccaneers were eliminated in the next round by the Detroit Lions, it was a close game that the team can use as a building block for next season.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Buccaneers have some key players who will become free agents, including Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Tristan Wirfs. The team has already made a move to keep Mayfield by hiring his former offensive coordinator from the Rams, Liam Coen, to replace Dave Canales as quarterbacks coach.
Mayfield has expressed his desire to have Evans back on the team, and with Chris Godwin still under contract for another year, it would be beneficial for the Bucs to lock up both Mayfield and Evans for a strong offense. Wirfs and Winfield Jr. are also crucial players, and it remains to be seen if the team can retain all of their big names.
The Buccaneers have a strong chance of winning another championship if they draft well and keep their key players. Their window for success is open, and they have the ability to capitalize on it.
