The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have set their leadership group for 2026, and the biggest new name on the list is linebacker Alex Anzalone.
With the season set to open in Cincinnati against the Bengals in less than a week, the Bucs officially revealed their captains. Anzalone, who arrived in free agency this offseason, is the lone newcomer to land the honor. Tampa Bay brought him in to help fill the gap left by Lavonte David, and the move comes with some real credibility: Anzalone was a captain five times with the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2025.
He’ll be joined by Chris Godwin, who is back as a captain for the first time since 2023, along with Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs, each of whom has served as a captain four times.
The Buccaneers are also asking Anzalone and Godwin to help absorb the leadership loss created by the departures of David and Mike Evans. That’s a significant pair to replace, and Tampa Bay chose to lean on the players who have already built trust inside the building.
Last season was derailed by injuries and inconsistency, and the Bucs will be counting on their captains to help steer the group back toward the postseason with a Lombardi Trophy in mind. There were other candidates in the mix, too, with rookie Rueben Bain Jr., Tykee Smith, Yaya Diaby and Calijah Kancey all names that could have been considered. But for now, they’ll have to wait their turn while the established leaders take charge.
It’s a roster with plenty of talent and, as the source material puts it, the feel of a player-led team. The challenge now is turning that into cleaner execution and better health in 2026.
In Other News...
Bucs Backfield Depth Suddenly Looks Shaky Before Bengals Opener
Todd Bowles said the Buccaneers are waiting until game time to know whether Tucker will be available for Sundays opener against the Bengals, a late development that adds a little more uncertainty to a backfield already built around Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. Tucker was expected to be the teams RB3, so Tampa Bay still has its top two options intact, but the depth chart behind them suddenly looks thinner with kickoff approaching.
If Tucker cannot go because of an undisclosed injury, the Buccaneers may need to turn to Josh Williams from the practice squad to fill the role. It is not the sort of wrinkle the Bucs wanted heading into Week 1, especially with the offense trying to settle into a rhythm right away, and it leaves one more roster decision hanging until the final injury call comes in. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Just Sent A Clear Message About Their Backup QB Plan
The Buccaneers have already made one notable adjustment to their quarterback room, releasing Jake Browning after guaranteeing part of his salary and turning the backup job over to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. It is the kind of move that says plenty about how the team views Daniels, especially with general manager Jason Licht pointing to the way he earned the role despite having so little experience.
Tampa Bay also brought in Easton Stick, adding a passer who knows the offensive coordinators system and can offer a steadier hand behind Daniels if needed. The setup leaves the Bucs with a young, unconventional depth chart and a clear willingness to trust upside, even if the more proven insurance option is now sitting right there in the room. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Week 1 Depth Chart Settles A Key Rookie Battle
The Buccaneers first official depth chart of the 2026 regular season answered one of the teams more closely watched camp questions before the opener against Cincinnati. Josiah Trotter is listed as the starting middle linebacker, a sign that the rookies summer push was enough to move him ahead of SirVocea Dennis in the middle of the defense.
Tampa Bays initial lineup also gives a clearer look at how the rookie class fits around the roster, with Rueben Bain Jr. listed as a starting outside linebacker and Jalon Daniels slotted behind Baker Mayfield at quarterback. The chart also includes several rookie receivers and tight ends in notable spots, leaving a few more young players with an early chance to carve out roles once the season begins. [Read more 🡒]