Head coach Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering one of the franchise’s most important seasons in years, and according to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, the organization did enough this offseason to remain competitive amid a period of major transition.
Sullivan handed Tampa Bay a “B” grade for its 2026 offseason work, specifically pointing to a roster overhaul that featured difficult departures, intriguing additions, and mounting pressure entering Todd Bowles’ latest campaign.
The Buccaneers said goodbye to multiple franchise pillars this offseason. Wide receiver Mike Evans departed in free agency after signing with San Francisco. Star linebacker and team captain Lavonte David retired after a potential Hall of Fame career that cemented him as one of the organization’s all-time great defenders. Veteran cornerback Jamel Dean also moved on. Those departures signal that Tampa Bay appears to be navigating an organizational transition while attempting to remain competitive in an NFC that continues to get stronger.
Sullivan noted that Todd Bowles enters the season under pressure after Tampa Bay missed the playoffs in 2025. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also enters the final year of his contract, creating additional urgency around a team that feels very much like it’s operating in win-now territory.
Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the front office moved aggressively to replenish talent. The Buccaneers landed one of the biggest values of the first round when edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. slid to pick No. 15. The former Miami standout immediately upgrades Tampa Bay’s pass rush and projects as a foundational defensive piece moving forward.
The organization also attacked the linebacker position aggressively following David’s retirement. Second-round selection Josiah Trotter brings youth, pedigree, and physicality, while veteran Alex Anzalone adds leadership and stability to a room replacing a franchise legend. Tampa Bay further strengthened the defensive front by adding A’Shawn Robinson, another move designed to reinforce the defensive identity Bowles has long preferred.
The offense received less attention, but Sullivan highlighted Kenneth Gainwell as a quietly important addition. The former Eagles and Steelers running back gives Tampa Bay additional versatility and backfield depth as the team enters a season in which offensive efficiency could determine whether the Buccaneers return to playoff contention.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What grade did CBS Sports give the Buccaneers 2026 off-season
Reporting by Glenn Erby , Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
