The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into the 2026 offseason with more questions than answers-and while Baker Mayfield remains fired up and firmly entrenched as the team’s QB1, the rest of the roster could use some reshaping. After dropping four of their last five games and watching a potential playoff spot slip away, Tampa Bay is staring down some tough decisions. That includes potentially moving on from a few familiar faces to free up cap space and open doors for younger talent.
Let’s take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block as the Bucs look to retool for next season.
1. Anthony Nelson - Edge Rusher
Anthony Nelson has carved out a solid NFL career, but the writing might be on the wall in Tampa Bay. The seven-year veteran has never truly locked down a full-time starting role-his career high in starts came back in 2022 with eight-and his production has been inconsistent ever since. Last season, he registered just three sacks, matching his lowest total since 2020, and played only 41% of the team’s defensive snaps.
That usage rate is telling. For a player set to earn $5.4 million in 2026, the Bucs could save nearly $2 million in cap space by cutting him before June 1. That kind of financial flexibility is hard to ignore for a team looking to refresh its pass rush.
Nelson isn’t old-he’s still just 29-but the Bucs have younger options waiting in the wings. Chris Braswell, a high-upside edge rusher, could be ready to take on a bigger role if he hits his stride.
And David Walker, last year’s draft pick, is expected to return and compete for snaps. If either of them steps up, Nelson becomes more expendable.
There’s no denying Nelson has had his moments, but in a league where production and cap efficiency go hand-in-hand, his time in Tampa Bay could be nearing its end.
2. Josh Hayes - Defensive Back / Special Teams
The Buccaneers’ pass defense struggled all season, giving up 238.2 yards per game-27th in the league-and Josh Hayes wasn’t able to help much. Once a rotational player on defense, Hayes saw his defensive snap share drop from 28% in 2024 to zero this past season. He was relegated almost exclusively to special teams, and even there, his impact was minimal.
Hayes is still just 26, which theoretically gives him time to develop, but the NFL doesn’t run on potential alone. His special teams play, once considered his strength, didn’t hold up down the stretch. Hayes himself called the Bucs’ kickoff coverage “abysmal” late in the season, and his candid comments reflected the frustration of a unit that couldn’t figure it out.
If Tampa Bay decides to move on, they’d save $1.14 million in cap space. It’s not a massive number, but for a team looking to fine-tune the bottom of the roster, every dollar counts. Hayes has been a depth piece and special teams contributor, but if he’s not delivering in either role, the Bucs may choose to go younger-or simply different.
3. Payne Durham - Tight End
Payne Durham’s time in Tampa Bay hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. A fifth-round pick in 2023, Durham has just 17 catches in three seasons.
This past year, despite starting 10 games, he managed only one catch for 11 yards. That kind of production just isn’t going to cut it, especially at a position where the Bucs have decisions to make.
The key domino here is Cade Otton. If the Buccaneers re-sign their starting tight end-who’s set to hit free agency-Durham could be the odd man out.
Ko Kieft is a valuable blocking tight end, and rookie Devin Culp offers intriguing upside as a pass-catcher. Culp has the athleticism to stretch the field and the body control to win contested catches, which adds a dynamic element the Bucs haven’t consistently had at the position.
If Otton returns and Culp continues to develop, Durham’s role becomes increasingly unclear. He hasn’t shown enough as a receiver to earn more targets, and he’s not a dominant blocker either. With limited roster spots and a need for more versatility at tight end, the Bucs may decide to move on.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers are in a transitional phase. They’ve got a quarterback who believes in the direction of the team, but the supporting cast needs upgrades. Tampa Bay isn’t in full rebuild mode, but they’re certainly retooling-and that means making tough calls on players who haven’t quite lived up to expectations or no longer fit the team’s evolving plans.
Anthony Nelson, Josh Hayes, and Payne Durham all fall into that category. Cutting them could free up cap space and open the door for younger, more dynamic players to step in.
And after a season that ended in disappointment, the Bucs can’t afford to stand pat. Change is coming-and these three names could be part of it.