If you talk to enough Tampa Bay Buccaneers players this offseason, the same phrase keeps coming up in different conversations, at different positions, in different rooms: “New energy”.
This isn’t coming from outside noise or media narratives alone. It’s coming from inside the building. Players are the ones saying practices feel faster, meetings feel sharper, and competition feels more constant under Todd Bowles heading into 2026. On defense, that shift has been especially noticeable.
First-round pick Reuben Bain Jr. has already set a tone with how he approaches every rep, bringing a physical, nonstop motor that teammates immediately noticed. Yaya Diaby, entering a contract year, has matched that intensity with a renewed edge in offseason workouts, pushing the tempo of the entire outside linebacker group. Secondary flying around the field, such as Benjamin Morrison with a pick six or Antoine Winfield Jr intercepting a pass in the endzone period.
Behind them, the depth has turned into a constant rotation of effort and activity. Al-Quadin Muhammad has described the room as “always going,” while David Walker’s return from his ACL injury has added another player who is flying around again after missing his rookie season. Anthony Nelson remains the steady voice and presence, and Chris Braswell’s continued development has added even more movement and competition to the edge group.
The same sentiment carries over to the offense. Receivers and quarterbacks have talked about how much more competitive every rep feels. Emeka Egbuka has been building chemistry with Baker Mayfield, while Ted Hurst’s speed has created daily moments that stand out in practice. Players describe it less as structured work and more as constant competition between teammates trying to stack wins every snap.
Even veterans have noticed the shift in tone. Practices are still controlled, but the pace and urgency feel different than previous offseasons. That’s why Bowles’ decision to cancel the final minicamp practice didn’t raise eyebrows inside the locker room. Players said the work had already been accomplished, the intensity was already there, and the younger players had already gotten the reps they needed. That new energy could help right the ship back to an NFC South title and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Energy is the focus as the Bucs head towards training camp in 2026
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
