“Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times,” Jason Licht said on The Drive with TKras about Mayfield entering the final year of his deal. “All of our plans revolve around Baker. That’s something that we’ll get to at some point. I have had a lot of discussions with Baker about the team.

“We texted during the draft after some of the picks. I know he was excited about the players that we took. We have a great relationship. And listen, nobody here wants Baker to be playing for any other team, so I’ll just leave it at that.”

The former quarterback of the Cleveland Browns has exceeded expectations on the $33 million-per-year deal he signed back in 2024, a contract with no guaranteed money. Will the general manager ultimately succeed in his aim of keeping him in Tampa Bay for the long term?

Mayfield seems to have found his place in the NFL

Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has sparked a remarkable career resurgence, reaching its peak during the 2025 season. Leading the team through all 17 games, Mayfield threw for 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, finishing the year with a solid 90.6 passer rating.

This stability in Tampa marks his best version since entering the NFL, contrasting sharply with his turbulent journey as a former first-overall pick. After a rollercoaster start with the Cleveland Browns and a difficult 2022 stint split between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found the perfect environment in Florida.

By securing consecutive division titles and proving to be a high-level starter, he has finally moved past the “journeyman” label, transforming from a displaced starter into the undisputed leader of the Buccaneers’ offense.

What is Mayfield’s contract situation?

Baker Mayfield is entering a decisive stage with the franchise to secure his future with the Bucs. With the situation of Daniel Jones on the Indianapolis Colts as a reference ($44 million per year would appear to be the absolute floor), both sides will look for an agreement that places the quarterback higher than the last seasons.

A potential extension could see the two sides agree on a multi-year deal worth between $45 million and $50 million per year, aligning him with the current market for top-10 quarterbacks and potentially lowering his immediate cap hit to provide the team with more flexibility for the 2026 season.

Via a transcript of the Buccaneers, Bain said, “My motivation is myself. I always want to be the best player on the field no matter what. No outside factor is going to kind of weigh into that.” That outside factor is clearly his fall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bain was in no mood of smiling during the draft, he was all business. The Buccaneers must be thrilled to have him as they really needed a big-time pass rusher, and ended up with arguably the best in the draft.

Bain could be a playmaker from the get-go

Bain was the most dominant player in last year’s College Football Playoffs. He had five sacks in four games. He was key for Miami to go all the way to the National Championship game. Overall, he had 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks during the regular season.

For the Buccaneers, this is a massive pick. Haason Reddick didn’t produce as expected, and they also ranked 20th in scoring defense last year. With Bain, they get a certified threat in the edge to bring back some impact in the defensive line.

Bucs are a very pressured team

Last season’s debacle saw a five-year streak of going to the playoffs, and four-year streak of winning the NFC South end. Hence, the pressure is on to get back into the fray. Last season, the Bucs started pretty well the season but ended up collapsing due to injuries and bad defense.

Now, they will have the chance to get back on track, with a healthy roster, and a new playmaker like Rueben Bain on defense. If the team can’t get things right, head coach Todd Bowles might not be there in 2027.

“Thank you to all that has helped me through the years along my football career. It has allowed me to grow and experience life in ways I can’t put into words,” was part of the heartfelt message in Smith’s official Instagram statement.

The offensive tackle entered the world’s biggest league after being selected in the second round of the 2015 Draft with the 34th overall pick, precisely by the Bucs. His performance wearing the colors of the Penn State Nittany Lions impressed everyone, and he was able to translate it to the NFL.

His success is not only defined by his on-field achievements, but also by his character as a person, as reflected by some of his former teammates. “Blessings brotha honored to share the field with you,” Jaylen Watson said. Creed Humphrey also added: “Congrats on an amazing career brother!”

The first ring alongside Tom Brady

During the 2020 NFL season, Donovan Smith played a pivotal role as the starting left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, famously protecting Tom Brady’s blindside during their run to a victory in Super Bowl LV. That season, Smith started 15 regular-season games and was a cornerstone of an offensive line that allowed only 22 sacks all year, the second-fewest in the league.

His performance was particularly dominant during the postseason, where he did not allow a single sack across four playoff games, including the 31–9 blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout the 2020 campaign, Smith logged over 1,000 offensive snaps, proving his durability and consistency as he secured his first championship ring alongside the legendary quarterback.

The second was alongside Patrick Mahomes

In the 2023 season, Smith joined the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal and immediately took over as the starting left tackle, protecting Patrick Mahomes during their championship run to Super Bowl LVIII. The OT started 12 regular-season games, logging 749 offensive snaps and providing veteran stability to a line that ultimately helped the Chiefs secure a 25–22 overtime victory against the 49ers.

Statistically, Smith earned a 60.3 pass-blocking grade from PFF, allowing only two sacks and 42 total pressures throughout the campaign. His ability to anchor the blindside was a key factor in the Chiefs’ postseason success, making him one of the few players in NFL history to win Super Bowls as a starting left tackle for two different legendary quarterbacks.

Winning alongside Brady and Mahomes is a privilege few have

Few elite playmakers have managed the rare feat of winning Super Bowl rings alongside both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, proving to be invaluable assets to the league’s most recent dynasties. Wide receiver Justin Watson secured a title with Brady in Super Bowl LV before earning two more with Mahomes in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, while legendary running back LeSean McCoy achieved a spectacular back-to-back run by winning with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV followed immediately by a victory with the Buccaneers.

Additionally, veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert provided championship-caliber depth as a backup for both icons, earning rings in Super Bowl LV and Super Bowl LVIII respectively.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, the former Argentine kicker spoke about the current state of the Bucs, delving into what lies ahead for the NFL, and also the valuation of his position, a legacy that his children intend to continue.

In addition, he made it clear who he thinks the GOAT in football is. Gramatica, charismatic and with great analytical ability, emphasized that the league has everything it takes to conquer the entire world and did not miss the opportunity to outline which teams could reach the 2027 Super Bowl.

Bucs’ missed opportunity in 2025 NFL season

Bolavip: You’re someone very closely linked to Tampa, to the Buccaneers. You’re a historic figure for the franchise. Let me ask you: how did you see last season’s ending? It was a very tight division, it almost slipped away. Do you think there was a specific reason why they couldn’t push a bit further?

Martin Gramatica: It was disappointing, honestly, because we were one win away from making the playoffs with five or six games left. If we had won one of those, we would’ve made it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t. We did beat Carolina in the last game, thinking we were in. Atlanta didn’t help us because it beat the Saints, and Carolina ended up going to the playoffs.

We started really well too, I think we were 5–1, there was talk of Baker Mayfield as MVP, everything was perfect, and then the team slowly fell apart. We also had a lot of key injuries—every team has injuries, but when you lose your top two receivers, first Mike Evans, then Chris Godwin. (Emeka) Egbuka started well but then the longer season hit him a bit, the NFL season wore on him a little in the second half of the season.

So I don’t know if I can point to one single factor, there were many factors that didn’t help us. And obviously, being that close and not winning one game out of six, that really hurt.

Bolavip: Recently, Lavonte David spoke about all the injuries Mayfield had to go through last season, and that maybe if he had been healthier, the outcome would have been different. Do you agree with him?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, for sure, because Baker started out, as I said, on his way to MVP. And then his performance dropped a bit, but he took a lot of hits. He got hit a lot. And I think little by little, it started to wear on him, and then he had an injury to his left arm. And even though you don’t throw with your left arm, you use it for balance.

He also had, I think, a hit to his knee as well and his ankle. So, those are all things that one might think ‘Oh, he just throws with his arm.’ But he uses his whole body to throw, and besides his best weapon is when everything breaks down, and he takes off running and gets those first downs.

During that stretch when he was half injured, half banged up, he wasn’t running as much because he knew he couldn’t take a hit. I’m not saying it was fear of getting hit, because this guy lowers his helmet and runs into a wall if he has to, to get a first down.

The thing is, he was protecting himself because one bad hit would have taken him out of the game. He even missed half a game, I think it was Detroit, I don’t remember which one it was, where he left at halftime due to injury. So yeah, that didn’t help him at all. And then also having his superstars get injured. Because the timing with the other receivers also didn’t help him.

Bucs’ future without Mike Evans and 2026 NFL Draft expectations

Bolavip: And now Evans’ absence will be felt—a guy who made history and broke records…

Martin Gramatica: I think it’s going to be felt, especially on the emotional side, because of his leadership and also because he’s an amazing player on the field, obviously, and that safety valve when there was a problem Mayfield would say ‘Ok, I’ll just throw it to Mike Evans and he’ll catch it.’ Especially in the red zone.

And the pressure that Chris Godwin and Egbuka will feel now. Because they’ll be the leaders of that receiver group and they’ll need to have a really great season. Especially Chris Godwin, who’s a veteran, who’s had many injuries, who had a spectacular year when he signed his contract and then injury after injury he hasn’t been able to stay consistent.

So I think this year is key for him. Not only stat-wise in terms of statistics, but also in staying healthy and playing every game. Because that’s also key. He hasn’t been able to finish a season healthy in the last few years.

Bolavip: Now the closest event is the NFL Draft, which keeps everyone on edge. Do you have any idea about what the Bucs might do? What do you think they need?

Martin Gramatica: Last year showed us that they can do anything. They pick who they believe is the best player available at that moment. Last year there was a lot of talk that we needed defensive players. That we needed an edge rusher, someone who could put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they went with (Emeka) Egbuka, a receiver, who honestly did well, right? And besides, I think they were already looking ahead. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin getting older, they needed a young guy.

But I think this year is very similar, I think they need a defensive player who comes in with intensity and character. It could be a linebacker because Lavonte David just retired. An edge rusher too—we haven’t had outside pass rush, right? Vita Vea is a wall in the middle, but on the edges we haven’t had someone who can really put pressure on quarterbacks.

But with the Bucs you never know—Jason Licht often surprises. And it’s worked pretty well for him, right? Look at Bucky Irving, an amazing player who was picked in the third round. We focus on the first round, but it’s usually the second, third, or fourth round guys who sometimes surprise everyone, because nobody expected anything, and then they’re starters.

NFL continues to expand

Bolavip: Another big topic is the NFL’s expansion into different countries and cities around the world: Australia, Rio… Do you think the league can really establish itself in other cultures?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, it already has. From a financial standpoint, it’s good for the NFL, good for those cities. The fans in Europe, I went to the game when the Bucs played in London, and the stadium is always packed. What you do see is jerseys of all colors, because they’re fans of all different teams, and there’s a little group of Bucs fans at that time with Carolina.

But the fanbase, yes, there are a lot and I see it also in South America, right? Also Argentina itself has a league, an equipped Flag Football League that competes. So what has made the sport so much more visible and made people start liking it more is social media. It gives access to the sport, because before we had no way to watch it.

When I came at age 9 I didn’t know football existed in the US. Back home we played soccer, a little tennis and that was it. I knew about rugby, right? And a little bit basketball. Now people do know they exist and there are even kids who like it. There are fans in Argentina who prefer football over soccer. That seems crazy to me, but they grew up watching it and liking it.

In Europe they follow it a lot too. Well, when we played a preseason game in Japan, I think it was in 2004 after the Super Bowl, it was a preseason game and it was insane. People would come to practice sessions, the stadium was packed. They knew everything, they even had little cards with photos. For them it was like their Super Bowl, because the games only came once a year. So I think that’s why the NFL knows that it has a strong presence worldwide and that’s why they’re expanding to other countries.

There won’t be another Tom Brady

Bolavip: And regarding your career—you won a Super Bowl, spent time with New England, Indianapolis, New Orleans… and therefore worked with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning. What was it like?

Martin Gramatica: Well, I’ll always have a soft spot for Brad Johnson because we won the Super Bowl together. The truth is they are players who were stars, they still are stars. Not just in the NFL, even after retiring they’re still superstars because they’re Hall of Famers. And they’re all different, right? Different kind of leaders too.

The truth is Peyton Manning, I remember during practices, the same with Tom Brady, they both wanted to be perfect in practice. With Drew Brees I didn’t connect as much. He was somewhat distant from teammates. I don’t know, Brees’ personality was different, I never got to really know him.

But Brady and Manning, it was impressive what they demanded from their teammates and what they demanded from themselves. And that’s why you see where their teams ended up, right?

Peyton Manning was unlucky to play in the same era as Tom Brady. If not, he would have won three or four Super Bowls. It’s like Cristiano Ronaldo. He is an amazing player but he happened to play in Lionel Messi’s era. So nobody talks about Ronaldo, everyone talks about Messi, because he is so much better. So well, that’s what happened to Manning with Brady. But they’re both superstars.

Bolavip: Let’s say over the last 10 years, do you see in that position someone who reached or can reach Brady’s level?

Martin Gramatica: Brady’s level of winning 7 Super Bowls, I don’t think anyone gets there. Because at one point, I thought Patrick Mahomes could, if Kansas City had beaten Tampa, he would have gotten a bit closer.

But now seven against three Super Bowls, I don’t see Patrick Mahomes catching Brady, not a chance. And no, I don’t think there is, and the way the league is, there’s no player you can point to and say he’s going to be the Tom Brady of the future, who’s going to win four or five Super Bowls or play 20 years either, right?

I don’t think there’s a name like that, no. I really couldn’t tell you because what Tom Brady did is something special, not only for what he did by winning the Super Bowls. Reaching 10 Super Bowls and winning seven, that was impressive. What a career. That is very hard to match, very hard to match.

The value of kickers in the NFL

Bolavip: And in your position, which often defines games, do you think kickers are undervalued?

Martin Gramatica: Before, yes. Now they’re more valued. Today they kick 65 or 70-yard field goals. Contracts are also better. But it always depends on the team. They know that, you can have the best kicker in the league, but if you don’t have the best quarterback you’re not going to win. As a kicker you get it and you know that.

The kicker has the best job Monday to Saturday and the hardest on Sunday: few chances, all or nothing. It’s similar to a goalkeeper in soccer—you can save everything but people remember the one mistake. The pressure is different from any other position because you have very few chances.

Bolavip: Your longest kick was 55 yards. Could a kicker from your era play in today’s NFL?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, the position hasn’t changed much. The setup is the same: distance, angle, snap. Training changed, but the role is similar.

Bolavip: Thinking about the future, your sons Nico Gramatica and Gaston Gramatica…

Martin Gramatica: Well, the only thing what I always say is that we are extremely proud of how they work and how focused they are, of their dedication and the sacrifice they’re making to get there.

You never know if they’ll make it or not because it’s also very hard to make it, you need luck. You need to find a team that let’s you kick, so there are many variables, which is why some very talented kids don’t make it, while others maybe less talented do make it because they have better luck.

The only thing I always say about the kids is that they work themselves to the bone, they are super focused, super dedicated to making it. What I always tell them, whether they make it or not, they shouldn’t regret not having done enough to get there. And if they give everything, and it doesn’t work out, at least they gave it everything, so they can’t blame themselves.

But in that regard, we are incredibly proud. Because Nico, well, being the example as the older brother. And then Gaston too, because it’s not easy to get a scholarship here. It’s very hard, and especially coming out of High School. Because now with the portal, they pick players with College experience.

Nico had the chance to go to USF, and two years later, Gaston goes as well. He was also offered a scholarship by Texas. In football, Texas is very strong, North Carolina also offered him a scholarship out of High School. So you can see that they’ve noticed the effort and his work too.

A hypothetic Super Bowl LXI matchup

Bolavip: And finally, who would you like to see in the next Super Bowl?

Martin Gramatica: You’re putting me in a tough spot, I haven’t even thought about next year! But well, obviously from the NFC, I want the Bucs to be there. I liked what Vrabel did with New England, how he changed the face of the team.

But I would like to see Buffalo make it because I love Josh Allen. And then well, I’m a big fan of (John) Harbaugh, who now went to New York, I don’t want them to make it because it’s on our side of the Conference, but he was the first one to interview me on the NFL, when he was in Philadelphia.

I was just doing some cleaning and I still have his card from when he was in Philadelphia. He was Special Teams Coach back then. That’s why I’ve always liked him, he was a great guy. And gave me a lot of advice knowing that he didn’t need a kicker. He said ‘I want to interview you so that you can get those nerves out, because I don’t need a kicker right now, but i want to help you.’

So a guy that I truly always appreciated that, what he did for me. But yes, so I’d like to see Buffalo make it from the AFC, and obviously Tampa from the NFC side, right?

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN GRAMATICA ON BOLAVIP US:

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.