The Bucs’ first official depth chart of the 2026 regular season brought the change plenty of people were waiting for.
Tampa Bay released the chart just days before its season opener in Cincinnati against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, and the biggest headline is clear: Josiah Trotter is now the starting middle linebacker.
A month ago, when the team put out its preseason depth chart, SirVocea Dennis was still listed as the starter next to newcomer Alex Anzalone. Dennis had opened every game at middle linebacker last season in Todd Bowles’ system, but his play was described as average at best.
Tampa Bay answered by using its second-round pick on Trotter, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker built more like a thumper in the middle. He outplayed Dennis throughout camp, and Dennis also dealt with a groin injury that cost him practice and preseason time.
Bowles hinted at this shift last week, saying Trotter had made a “helluva case to start,” and the depth chart finally reflects it. Trotter stayed on the field through training camp, learned the scheme quickly and put himself in position to start Sunday at Cincinnati.
There weren’t many other surprises on defense. Tampa Bay still lists its base 3-4 with rookie outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. in the starting group alongside Trotter, Yaya Diaby, Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey and A’Shawn Robinson.
The real mystery is at nickelback, and that’s probably intentional. Bowles leans on nickel defense, but the depth chart does not name a starter in the slot.
The Bucs could use second-year Benjamin Morrison outside and slide Jacob Parrish into the slot, where he started last year. Or they could keep Parrish outside with Zyon McCollum and bring rookie Keionte Scott in at nickel.
Bowles will likely mix and match depending on the matchup, since Morrison and Scott bring different skill sets and levels of experience.
On offense, the depth chart is mostly unchanged. The one notable adjustment is undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels officially landing the QB2 job behind Baker Mayfield. That was already trending in that direction after the team released veteran Jake Browning more than a week ago.
At receiver, Tampa Bay lists Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan as the starters, with rookies Ted Hurst III, Tez Johnson and Kam Johnson on the second unit.
Rookie Bauer Sharp is slotted as the fourth-team tight end behind Cade Otton, Payne Durham and Ko Kieft.
Up front, Ben Chukwuma is listed as Tristan Wirfs’ backup at left tackle, while Justin Skule backs up Luke Goedeke at right tackle. Dan Feeney, who filled in at guard last season, is listed as the backup center, though he would likely be the first interior lineman off the bench.
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