The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, once the dominant force in the NFC South with five straight division titles, are facing a challenging transition. After a lackluster 8-9 season in 2025, their grip on the division has loosened, and the offseason hasn't been kind to them either.
The most significant blow came with the departure of franchise icon Mike Evans. After 12 stellar seasons, Evans opted to join the San Francisco 49ers, seeking a better shot at a Super Bowl. This move speaks volumes about the current state of the Buccaneers, as Evans' exit highlights a lack of confidence in the team's direction.
The Bucs also missed out on bolstering their pass rush with Trey Hendrickson, a move that would have addressed a glaring weakness. As the rest of the NFC South makes strides, Tampa Bay seems to be treading water, setting the stage for a potentially tough 2026 season.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are seizing the moment. Fresh off dethroning the Bucs, they're reinforcing their roster with key signings. The addition of Jaelan Phillips on a hefty four-year, $120 million deal and linebacker Devin Lloyd for three years at $45 million has transformed their defense into a formidable unit.
Not to be outdone, the New Orleans Saints are also on the move. They've snagged running back Travis Etienne Jr., who tallied over 1,100 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns last season. The Saints have further solidified their offensive line with guard David Edwards and added tight end Noah Fant, enhancing both their passing and blocking capabilities.
Defensively, the Saints welcomed back linebacker Kaden Elliss, a former draftee who returns after a stint with the Falcons. His return is a significant boost, and it's a missed opportunity for the Bucs, who could have used his talents.
With the Panthers and Saints strengthening their squads, the Buccaneers find themselves in a precarious position. For Tampa Bay, the path forward requires strategic moves in free agency and a successful draft to regain their footing in the division. Without significant changes, the road back to NFC South supremacy could be a long one.