Reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Hall signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. Hall played for the Titans in 2024, where he played just four games. He had previous stints with the Chargers and Cowboys.

Hall will be a depth piece, as the Buccaneers saw how their last season was hampered by injuries. He will back up Benjamin Morrison and/or Zyon McCollum. He could also slot in the nickel to back up Jacob Parrish.

Baker is in charge of repairing the offense

The offense was also very injured, including Baker Mayfield who was certainly challenged by his health. Still, he played throughout the season hurt. The task is now to make the offense a fearsome unit once again, even if Mike Evans won’t be there anymore.

Mayfield will use Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka as his primary receivers, with Tez Johnson as a very solid WR4. Add that to a great running game featuring Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, and the tools are there to reignite the offense.

Tampa Bay is facing high pressure

After four seasons of dominance in the NFC South, the Bucs had a losing record and lost the division to the Carolina Panthers. They fired their offensive coordinator, Todd Bowles is in the hot-seat as a head coach, and now they lost the best wideout in franchise history.

Hence, it’s a team that must have a good season, and that needs to go back to win a very achievable division. After all, the NFC South has two teams in rebuilding (Saints, Falcons), a volatile team in the Panthers, and the Bucs, that if they manage to stay healthy, are far and away the best team out of the four.

The veteran defensive lineman parted ways with the Giants after three seasons. He will now begin his second stint with the Bucs, signing a one-year deal, as reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

A significant loss for a defense aiming to be a cornerstone in New York. Due to John Harbaugh’s philosophy of prioritizing a physical defense that stops the run dead in its tracks, replacing him could be a difficult task.

How much do the Giants lose without Nacho?

The departure of the 305-pound veteran leaves a notable void in New York’s interior rotation. After a durable 2024 campaign where he racked up 52 tackles across 15 starts, he remained a productive pass-rushing presence last year with 3.0 sacks in limited action before injuries cut his season short.

The alternatives Harbaugh is considering

John Harbaugh must reshuffle a defensive front centered around the elite Dexter Lawrence. The Giants are banking on newcomer Roy Robertson-Harris and recent signing Sam Roberts to maintain the unit’s physicality, while leaning on the development of young prospects like Elijah Chatman and Darius Alexander to solidify the rotation.

In search of his second Super Bowl ring

In Super Bowl LV, Rakeem Nunez-Roches delivered a disciplined performance as the Buccaneers’ starting Nose Tackle, recording two total tackles and one QB hit. While his box score was modest, his ability to anchor the interior and absorb double teams was instrumental in holding the high-powered Chiefs’ offense to zero touchdowns during Tampa Bay’s 31–9 victory over Kansas City.

“The season’s over now, I can talk about it,” David revealed, via JoeBucsFan.com. “Man, Baker was going through a lot, bro. Baker had a lot of injuries that you didn’t expect a quarterback to play through.

“You know what I’m saying? He had the oblique injury, he had the shoulder injury, he had a lot of things. You know, ankle injury, knee injury. . . . He was really trying to push through and really trying to be the player that we needed him to be.”

Mayfield’s performance despite his injuries

Baker Mayfield followed his breakout 2024 campaign with another solid performance in 2025, leading the Buccaneers to an 8-9 record while remaining one of the league’s most productive passers. He finished the season with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, ranking in the top 10 across the NFL in both yards and scoring strikes.

His efficiency was highlighted by a career-high 382 rushing yards and a notable Week 5 performance against the Seahawks, where he completed 87.9% of his passes. Off the field, his leadership was recognized league-wide as he served as the Buccaneers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

Is Mayfield now 100% healthy?

David’s recent statements have raised concerns among both fans and outsiders. However, so far there have been no reports of any injuries that Mayfield might be dealing with, so he is expected to begin his initial practices with teammates as usual.

Buccaneers QB room

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ quarterback room is headlined by starter Baker Mayfield, who remains the undisputed leader of the offense. Behind him, the depth chart features veteran backup Jake Browning, the former Bengals signal-caller known for his poise, and Connor Bazelak, who rounds out the group as they gear up for the 2026 campaign.

The team arrives at this point after an up-and-down 2025 campaign, turning the page toward roster construction as a key priority. Holding all seven original picks provides a stable foundation for the front office.

Still, while the number is currently set, the situation remains fluid. Draft-day trades or late roster decisions could alter Tampa Bay’s total, as general manager Jason Licht has historically been willing to move around the board.

Which picks do the Buccaneers have in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 7 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the No. 15 overall selection in Round 1. They holds a complete set of its original selections—one in each round—and has neither gained nor lost picks via trades.

They also did not receive any compensatory selections this year, leaving them with a clean, straightforward draft structure. Here’s the full breakdown of their picks:

• Round 1, Pick 15: 15th overall
• Round 2, Pick 14: 46th overall
• Round 3, Pick 13: 77th overall
• Round 4, Pick 16: 116th overall
• Round 5, Pick 15: 155th overall
• Round 6, Pick 14: 195th overall
• Round 7, Pick 13: 229th overall

This setup gives them balance across all three draft days, but without the added flexibility that comes from extra picks. Their early selections—especially Nos. 15, 46 and 77—will be crucial in landing immediate-impact players.

How does the Buccaneers’ 2026 draft capital compare to other NFL teams

The Buccaneers’ seven picks put them right at the NFL average, but behind teams that accumulated extra draft capital through trades or compensatory selections. Across the league, most teams enter the draft with between six and eight picks, putting them firmly in the middle tier.

However, several franchises have stockpiled additional selections—some reaching double digits—thanks to the NFL’s compensatory system, which awarded 33 extra picks to 15 teams in 2026.

That difference matters. Teams with more picks have:

• Greater flexibility to trade up or down
• More chances to take risks on high-upside prospects
• Increased ability to address multiple roster holes

By contrast, the Buccaneers’ approach is more traditional:

• One pick per round ensures coverage across the roster
• No extra picks limits aggressive maneuvering

It means they don’t have the surplus assets to easily move up the board without sacrificing depth. That puts added pressure on their scouting and decision-making, particularly in the early rounds where hitting on prospects is critical.

What are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest needs?

The Buccaneers’ biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft are linebacker, defensive line, edge rusher and interior offensive line. The most urgent issue is at linebacker following the retirement of franchise cornerstone Lavonte David.

Along the defensive front, both the defensive line and edge rusher groups need reinforcements. They have struggled with consistency generating pressure and adding depth and playmaking ability up front is essential in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

On offense, the interior offensive line remains a concern after an injury-affected 2025 season disrupted continuity. Strengthening protection up the middle will be key to maintaining stability for the offense moving forward.

There are also skill-position questions. The departure of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans leaves a notable gap in the passing game, while tight end depth behind Cade Otton remains limited—both areas that could be addressed depending on how the board falls.

The list includes many high-profile names: Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Ali Marpet, and Ryan Jensen have stepped away from the game. On the defensive side of Bruce Arians’ team, there are also a few cases.

Ndamukong Suh, William Gholston, and Steve McLendon are perhaps the most impactful names on this list of former players. Arians, leading from the sideline, is also no longer coaching in the league.

There are also two particular cases: Jason Pierre-Paul signed in December 2025 to join the team’s practice squad after being without a team for a long time, but he didn’t retire. Leonard Fournette, another notable player, hasn’t played in a while but also hasn’t officially announced his retirement.

Historic day for the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history by becoming the first team to ever play—and win—a Super Bowl in their own home stadium, dominating the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 31-9. Tom Brady was named the game’s MVP after throwing three touchdown passes, securing his record-breaking seventh championship ring.

A unique fact from the evening is that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the stadium was filled with a mix of 25,000 live fans and 30,000 cardboard cutouts to create a full-crowd atmosphere, making it the least-attended yet most visually unique Super Bowl in NFL history.

Heroes still in Tampa Bay

Although most of the championship roster has moved on, a few key survivors of Super Bowl LV are still anchoring the team in 2026. Defensive tackle Vita Vea continues to dominate the line of scrimmage, while Antoine Winfield Jr. remains the heart of the secondary.

On the offensive side, cornerstone tackle Tristan Wirfs and veteran wideout Chris Godwin are the last standing pillars of that historic 2020 starting unit still wearing the red and pewter.

David’s farewell

After a successful 14-year career playing at the elite level, Lavonte David brought his NFL stint to an end. His words reflect this turning point in his life.

“It’s time,” David started. “I’ve been playing football since I was 6 years old. Thirty years straight of football. I never missed a year. A lot of time, man. When it’s time, when you know, you know.

“I always wanted to be a guy who wanted to retire on my own terms. Right now is the perfect opportunity for that. I give glory to God for me to be able to play football for this long.”

Evans hit the open market as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Although several teams expressed interest in his services, he chose to remain in the NFC to suit up for the Niners.

The Buccaneers have stated they do not feel betrayed by Evans’ decision. However, the front office has made it clear that they did everything within their power to retain the talented wideout.

“He means everything to me,” general manager Jason Licht said, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, “but he means everything to the entire organization. Obviously, he’s the best offensive player we’ve ever had and an even better person than he is a player. So, it’s always tough. That one was really tough. . . . We made a significantly higher offer, and that was just the first offer. It became pretty clear that he and his family were just ready, like he said publicly, for another chapter.”

Mike Evans will be crucial for Brock Purdy

With the arrival of Mike Evans, the 49ers gain a new WR1 as Brandon Aiyuk appears set to depart the club. A veteran of Evans’ caliber should be instrumental in bolstering an offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy.

Evans has spent 12 years in the NFL, and in 11 of those seasons, he managed to secure at least 1,000 receiving yards. If he can stay healthy, the Niners may have finally found the missing piece for a championship run.

With Evans listed as the top target, Ricky Pearsall moves into the WR2 role, while newcomer Christian Kirk slides in as WR3. This creates a formidable group that could provide Purdy with exactly what he needs to dominate the NFC West.

Will the 49ers release Brandon Aiyuk?

The situation involving Brandon Aiyuk remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the 49ers. The wide receiver is reportedly expected to be released, as he no longer appears to fit into coach Kyle Shanahan’s long-term plans.

In 2025, reports surfaced that Aiyuk was not committed to the team’s rehabilitation program, preferring to handle his recovery independently. This created a rift between the player and the organization, ultimately leading to his impending exit.

“I don’t feel betrayed,” the GM said, via the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. “He earned the right to make the decision… he loves this team. He loves everything about it… I think he wanted a new challenge.”

Evans gave the Bucs his all, even winning a Super Bowl alongside Tom Brady. Can Tampa Bay move forward without one of its biggest leaders?

Evans’ legacy in Tampa Bay

Mike Evans leaves an unparalleled legacy in Tampa Bay after joining the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year deal signed in March 2026.

Since being drafted 7th overall in 2014, Evans spent 12 legendary seasons with the Buccaneers, becoming the first player in NFL history to record 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.

He departs as the franchise’s all-time leader in every major receiving category, boasting career totals of 866 receptions, 13,052 yards, and 108 touchdowns, cementing his status as a future Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl LV champion.

Bucs’ plans to replace Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2026 season with a transformed wide receiver depth chart, after Evans departure.

The starting unit is led by Emeka Egbuka, a 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist who recorded 938 yards and 6 touchdowns, alongside the explosive Jalen McMillan and veteran leader Chris Godwin Jr., who remains a focal point of the offense despite recent injury setbacks.

Providing depth are Dennis Houston, specialized speedster Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson, while young developmental talents Jaden Smith and the versatile Garrett Greene round out the bottom of the rotation as they compete for roster spots in training camp.

“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money,” a statement from Evans’ agent Deryk Gilmore read. “In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game.”

The statement painted a clear picture on the motivations behind Evans’ career-altering decision to leave the Buccaneers. Many believed Evans would be a one-club team in his NFL journey, but that will no longer be the case. Instead, he is now headed to San Fran, where he vies to chase another Super Bowl ring with the 49ers.

The 49ers’ updated wide receiver depth chart is one that excites fans in “The Bay”, as Brock Purdy will welcome in yet another reliable target. For San Francisco, the sky has felt like the limit for a while. However, it always comes down to whether the Niners can stay healthy, and that remains a pending task for Kyle Shanahan’s side.

Evans gets fresh start

Following a disappointing 2025 NFL season, Evans is embracing the winds of change and a new chapter in San Francisco. Evans missed nine games last campaign and watched his streak of 1,000 receiving yards per season come to an end in disheartening fashion.

In 2025, Evans registered career lows in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, with 61, 30, 368, and 3, respectively. While hindered by injuries, even if he had played all 17 games for the Buccaneers, Evans’ numbers were projected to be the lowest of his career.

Needless to say, the 49ers believe last season was a fluke and Evans can re-connect with his best football as he joins the organization in San Fran.

Gainwell is coming off a massive breakout season in Pittsburgh, where he effectively transitioned from a situational backup into a focal point of the offense. Arriving as a Super Bowl LIX champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, the versatile playmaker showcased his full potential across all 17 regular-season appearances, ultimately earning team MVP honors for the Steelers.

The 26-year-old made the most of his 114 carries, racking up 537 rushing yards and five scores, but it was his career-high 73 receptions for 486 yards that truly set him apart. Now, Gainwell moves to Tampa Bay on a reported two-year, $14 million deal, looking to ignite a Buccaneers squad that is aggressively retooling after a competitive 2025 campaign.

Updated Steelers RB depth chart

With Gainwell’s departure, the Steelers must now pivot to replace the 1,000-yard production that fueled Mike McCarthy’s offense last season. The current rotation leans heavily on youth and internal development:

• RB1: Jaylen Warren
• RB2: Kaleb Johnson

Updated Bucs RB depth chart

By landing Gainwell, the Buccaneers secure a versatile weapon to pair with Bucky Irving, who established himself as a reliable playmaker during his rookie campaign.

The move provides much-needed stability to a room facing significant turnover, as incumbent Rachaad White hits unrestricted free agency and the club declined to tender restricted free agent Sean Tucker.

• RB1: Bucky Irving
• RB2: Kenneth Gainwell

Speaking to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Godwin said, “I can’t imagine talking to him on a different field and seeing him in a different jersey… he is my brother.“ Godwin and Evans go way back. However, all good things must end and with Evans departing, the big-time Super Bowl-winning duo will no longer torment opposing defenses.

Last season, both suffered serious injuries. Godwin with a fibula injury, and Evans a fractured clavicle. Hence, they didn’t spend much time together on the field last year. That is one of the main reasons of why the Bucs weren’t as explosive as they used to during the 2025 season.

Godwin and Evans were the perfect duo

Godwin and Evans were nearly unstoppable for years. The reason was that they covered every single area of the field. Godwin took the middle of the field and was great in the slot. Meanwhile, Evans went deep and outside the numbers. Both also had safe hands and made unbelievable catches.

While the Bucs have young studs like Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Jalen McMillan, Evans will be sorely missed. Not only was he one of the best wideouts in the NFL, but he embodies what being a part of the Buccaneers is. He is a leader and a captain. Godwin words are a testament to that.

Godwin will now become the captain of the Bucs

Evans was a captain, so next time the Bucs are on the field, it’s likely that it will be Godwin the one wearing the “C” on his chest. Also, Godwin will have to step up on the field, as Evans production was very high.

Evans has been the staple of this offense ever since getting into the league. He chained 11-straight seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards. Evans has quietly made a Hall-of-Fame career, and losing a name like that usually brings a downgrade to the team. The thing is, the Bucs are quite stacked in that department.

Chris Godwin is another team legend who will stay, joined by second-year sensation Emeka Egbuka, and third-year standout Jalen McMillan. Also, second-year prospect Tez Johnson had quite an impact during his rookie year, and he will be back with the red-and-silver. Kameron Johnson will play the last year of his contract and there’s also Jaden Smith, who is on the waived/injured list. If he clears waivers, he will go the Bucs‘ IR list.

Tampa Bay should be a top-tier offense

Last season, the Bucs suffered were injured pretty much all year. Running back Bucky Irving missed seven games, Mike Evans missed nine, Chris Godwin eight, and Jalen McMillan 13. This, and the fact that quarterback Baker Mayfield played with an injured shoulder for much of the season. Hence, the offense never really got a chance to click. In 2026, healthy, this offense should go to a whole other level.

Also, the Bucs changed offensive coordinator. Josh Grizzard won’t be on the team, instead, Zach Robinson will call plays on offense. This should give the Bucs offense a new dimension and a more dynamic playcalling than last year as well.

The Bucs need to bounce back or else…

The Bucs ended 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. In fact, rumors about head coach Todd Bowles being on the hot seat were very loud. Bowles stayed, but if things don’t go right, he might be fired by the end of the season.

Also, contracts might get broken and a new approach may come. The Bucs have been prominent since 2020, even winning a Super Bowl in that span. However, they will want to remain relevant, even if Mike Evans is no longer on the roster.