Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin Jr.

WR

Godwin was a standout during OTAs and minicamp, consistently drawing targets while working from the slot. Following Mike Evans' departure to San Francisco, the 30-year-old is the clear veteran leader of Tampa Bay's receiving corps and could remain Baker Mayfield's most trusted target even if Emeka Egbuka takes a step forward in Year 2. Behind Godwin and Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, rookie third-round pick Ted Hurst, running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, and tight end Cade Otton are all competing for targets. Injuries limited Godwin to seven games in 2024 and nine in 2025, but he remains positioned for a prominent role after signing a three-year, $66 million deal last offseason.

Vita Vea

DT

Vea is entering the last year of his contract, during which he is scheduled to receive up to $17 million in non-guaranteed funds for play throughout the 2026 season. The defensive tackle played a full season's worth of games for the first time since 2019, and with consistent production leading the defensive line, he likely feels he is entitled to an extension before putting his body on the line another year. If Vea continues to hold in without a trade or extension, Elijah Simmons could develop an increased role in the Buccaneers defense heading into the 2026 regular season.

Anthony Nelson

LB

The linebacker missed the last two regular-season games of 2025 with a knee injury, but he appears to be past the issue. Nelson recorded 38 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two pass breakups, including an interception, and two forced fumbles last year.

Zyon McCollum

CB

The cornerback was placed on IR in December of last season after suffering a hip injury. Now that he's back, he should be able to resume his role as a starter. McCollum started all 30 regular-season games he was available for over the last two campaigns.

Baker Mayfield

QB

Mayfield recently revealed that he suffered a sprained PCL, sprained MCL and bone bruise in Week 2, a Week 3 tendon injury in his biceps and an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in Week 12. The spate of injuries correlated with a statistical decline, as Mayfield threw for just 217.2 passing yards per game in 2025, down from 264.7 passing yards per game in the 2024 regular season. Having recovered from all of those injuries, Mayfield is looking to regain form and stay healthier in 2026.