The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are beginning to gain traction as a potential dark horse contender in the NFC, and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky explained why he believes Todd Bowles’ team could make a serious postseason push in 2026.
Speaking on NFL Live on ESPN, Orlovsky pointed specifically to Tampa Bay’s defensive additions this offseason as one of the biggest reasons the Buccaneers have NFC Championship-level potential “on paper.” The Buccaneers aggressively addressed speed, physicality, and toughness on defense throughout both free agency and the NFL Draft. Tampa Bay’s first-round selection of edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. immediately gave the defense another explosive pass-rushing presence opposite Yaya Diaby, while linebacker Josiah Trotter added more downhill physicality and energy to the middle of the defense.
The team also brought in veterans like Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom while continuing to add depth pieces that fit Todd Bowles’ aggressive defensive identity. For Orlovsky, the additions make sense within the context of how Bowles wants his defense to operate. Tampa Bay’s defense has historically looked its best when it can consistently pressure quarterbacks without having to heavily rely on blitzes every passing down. Bain’s explosiveness off the edge, combined with the added depth and versatility at linebacker, could allow the Buccaneers to return to playing faster and more aggressively defensively.
Orlovsky also reportedly noted that the NFC remains relatively open, aside from a handful of teams like Philadelphia and Detroit. Tampa Bay has quietly positioned itself as one of the more improved teams in the conference entering 2026. The Buccaneers still have questions to answer throughout OTAs and training camp, but belief in the roster is beginning to grow.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky makes bold claim with the Bucs ahead of 2026
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
