And just like that, the Buccaneers are turning a new page. Two of their longest-tenured players have moved on, marking the end of an era in Tampa Bay.
First, Mike Evans, the 2014 first-round pick, signed with the 49ers as he approached his 13th NFL season. Then, Lavonte David, a stalwart since 2012, announced his retirement. These changes set the stage for a significant transition in the Bucs’ locker room.
Evans and David were more than just players; they were the heartbeats of the AdventHealth Training Center and Raymond James Stadium. Their presence dates back to when the facility was known as One Buc Place. Now, as the team gears up for the 2026 season, new leaders must emerge to guide Tampa Bay forward.
Stepping into the spotlight is Chris Godwin Jr., now the longest-tenured player on the roster. Hard to believe, but the 2017 third-round pick is entering his 10th season with the Bucs. Godwin has always been a mentor, but with Evans gone, his leadership role is set to expand significantly.
Lavonte David’s impact on the defense was monumental. For 14 years, he was the cornerstone, consistently delivering top-tier performances.
His quiet, lead-by-example style set the tone for the defense, and replacing that kind of leadership is no small task. Enter Vita Vea, who, in his ninth year, is poised to take on a larger leadership role as the anchor of the defense.
Leadership doesn’t solely rest on tenure, though. Inside linebacker Alex Anzalone, with a decade of NFL experience, brings leadership skills honed during his time with the Lions.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, now in his fourth year with the Bucs, naturally commands respect and leads with charisma. Miles Killebrew, a seasoned special teams captain from his time with the Steelers, joins the mix as well.
Despite the loss of Evans and David, the Bucs are not short on leadership. They’re navigating a new chapter, one without two of their iconic figures.
“Young” Bucs Are Suddenly Rising Up The Ranks In Tenure
Chris Godwin Jr. and Vita Vea now lead the pack in tenure, followed by Anthony Nelson, who is entering his eighth season. Surprisingly, some of the younger Bucs are quickly becoming veterans themselves.
Take a look at Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr., both key players from the 2020 draft class, entering their seventh seasons. Meanwhile, Luke Goedeke, Cade Otton, and Zyon McCollum are already in their fifth seasons. Calijah Kancey, Cody Mauch, Yaya Diaby, and SirVocea Dennis are entering year four, with contract years looming for some.
The 2024 class, featuring potential captain Tykee Smith, along with Graham Barton, Jalen McMillan, and Bucky Irving, is already in its third season.
Though the Bucs have bid farewell to a couple of longtime stalwarts, the roster is filled with emerging leaders ready to step up and carry the torch.
As Oscar Martinez from The Office aptly put it, “Time is a son of a b*tch.” The Bucs are embracing this new chapter, ready to forge ahead with their next generation of leaders.