The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary enters the 2026 season with plenty to prove, and Pro Football Focus’ latest rankings reflect both the talent and uncertainty surrounding the group. PFF ranked all 32 NFL secondaries ahead of the season, placing Tampa Bay at 15th overall, landing Tampa Bay directly in the middle of the league with a defensive backfield undergoing significant changes.
For Tampa Bay, the ranking is particularly interesting because the secondary has undergone plenty of turnover and will rely on several young players to establish themselves. PFF pointed to one area where the Buccaneers were among the best in football last season that might surprise most: discipline. Tampa Bay’s secondary committed just 13 total penalties, the fewest in the league. The Buccaneers’ defensive backs also generated 35 pressures last season, a figure surpassed only by the two conference champions. Bowles is known for his versatility in generating pressure, and does so with his secondary off the edge in delayed or zero blitz.
Antoine Winfield Jr. remains the centerpiece of the group. PFF noted that Winfield bounced back from his injury-plagued 2024 season, although his performance still fell short of the elite level he reached in 2021 and 2023. That creates an important storyline heading into 2026. If Winfield returns to his best form while Tampa Bay’s young corners keep developing and take the next step as expected starters, the Buccaneers have a chance to outperform their ranking.
The secondary also has intriguing competition throughout the cornerback room, with young players looking to carve out larger roles such as second-year sophomores Benjamin Morrison and That depth could ultimately determine whether Tampa Bay remains a middle-of-the-pack unit or develops into one of the better secondaries in the NFC. Still, PFF’s ranking provides a reasonable starting point. Tampa Bay isn’t viewed as a liability, but it also hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt that comes with being considered an elite group, especially after losing Jamel Dean in the offseason.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs’ Secondary Lands in Middle of NFL in PFF Rankings
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
