The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came painfully close to a playoff berth in 2026, only to watch it slip away in the back half of the season. What started as a promising campaign quickly unraveled, with the Bucs stumbling through a string of losses-including some tough ones to top-tier contenders and others that were flat-out head-scratchers against weaker NFC South rivals. It was a collapse that exposed real issues, especially on defense, and left the team on the outside looking in come postseason time.
Now, the focus shifts to the offseason-and if Tampa Bay wants to bounce back and reassert itself in the playoff mix, it starts with taking care of business at home. That means making smart decisions about their own free agents. The Bucs have several key players hitting the market, but three stand out as absolute priorities to retain if they want to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.
Let’s break them down:
3. LB Lavonte David
Lavonte David has been the heart and soul of the Buccaneers’ defense for over a decade, and while he may not be the same sideline-to-sideline force he once was, his value to this team remains undeniable. At 34, he’s no longer playing at an All-Pro level, but he still led the team in combined tackles last season with 114, including eight for loss. That’s not just production-it’s leadership, consistency, and football IQ that can’t be easily replaced.
Yes, it’s fair to say the Bucs’ front seven struggled mightily, and David’s numbers partly reflect the lack of talent around him. But that’s exactly why bringing him back makes sense.
In a defense that needs stability and veteran presence, David still provides both. If he decides to keep playing, Tampa Bay would be wise to keep him in pewter and red.
2. CB Jamel Dean
It’s hard to figure out why Jamel Dean wasn’t locked in as a starter every week, but anyone watching closely saw what he brought to the field. Dean was a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent secondary, leading all Bucs corners with nine passes defended and putting up some elite coverage numbers.
Quarterbacks steered clear of Dean whenever possible-and for good reason. He allowed a completion percentage under 50, gave up just two touchdowns while snagging three interceptions, and posted a stingy 63.1 QB rating against.
Oh, and he missed just one tackle all year. That’s lockdown corner stuff.
With opposing offenses picking on the likes of Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, Dean’s presence on the field was a difference-maker. He’s entering his prime, and the Bucs can’t afford to let a top-tier corner walk away when the rest of the secondary is still trying to find its footing.
1. WR Mike Evans
There’s no debate here-Mike Evans is the cornerstone of this franchise. He’s not just a future Ring of Honor inductee; he’s still producing at a high level and remains the emotional and competitive engine of the offense.
When Evans was sidelined due to injury last season, the Bucs’ offense lost its rhythm and identity. His absence was felt not only in the stat sheet but in the locker room. He’s the kind of player who commands attention from defenses and respect from teammates, and that kind of presence is irreplaceable.
While Jamel Dean may have had the better statistical season, Evans’ impact transcends numbers. He’s the guy who moves the chains, makes the tough catches, and sets the tone.
As long as he wants to keep playing, the Bucs should be doing everything in their power to keep him in Tampa. He’s earned that, and frankly, they need him.
The Buccaneers have a lot of work to do this offseason, but retaining these three players would be a strong first step. Lavonte David brings leadership and experience, Jamel Dean offers shutdown ability in the secondary, and Mike Evans remains the heartbeat of the offense. If Tampa Bay wants to get back into the playoff picture, it starts by keeping its core intact.