Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Offseason Preview

For the fourth consecutive season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the NFC South crown, solidifying their dominance in the division. However, their postseason journey again came to a disappointing end in the wild-card round, this time at the hands of the surging Washington Commanders. As they prepare for the 2025 offseason, the Buccaneers face a familiar challenge—navigating salary cap constraints while keeping their roster competitive.

Coaching Changes: Another Coordinator Lost to a Head Coaching Job

The Buccaneers have lost another key coordinator to an NFL head coaching opportunity. This time, offensive coordinator Liam Coen was hired as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, leaving Tampa Bay needing a new play-caller. Rather than bringing in an external candidate, the Buccaneers promoted passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator. Grizzard, who played a crucial role in refining Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in 2024, will now oversee the entire offensive unit. The question is whether he can maintain the high level of production that made Tampa’s offense one of the best in the league last season.

Key 2024 Season Metrics from PFN

Despite their playoff disappointment, the Buccaneers performed well in several key statistical categories:

• Baker Mayfield QB+ Score: 87.9 (B+) – 6th in the NFL
• Overall Offense (OFF+): 91.1 (A-) – 3rd in the NFL
• Offensive Line (OL+): 91.8 (A-) – 3rd in the NFL
• Defense (DEF+): 74.7 (C) – 16th in the NFL

While the offense thrived under Mayfield and had a strong offensive line, the defense ranked in the middle of the pack. Addressing their defensive deficiencies, particularly in the pass rush and secondary will be crucial this offseason.

Key Free Agents

The Buccaneers have several notable players hitting free agency, including:

• Chris Godwin, WR
• Ben Bredeson, G
• Anthony Nelson, EDGE
• Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE
• Lavonte David, LB
• K.J. Britt, LB

Of these names, retaining Chris Godwin and Lavonte David will be a high priority, but both players will likely command substantial contracts. The front office must decide whether to extend or replace these core contributors.

Salary Cap Situation

The Buccaneers are projected to have just $2.2 million in available cap space, meaning they must restructure contracts to create flexibility. Unlike past seasons, Tampa Bay has few obvious-cut candidates who would significantly free up cap space. Instead, the team will have to focus on restructures and extensions.

Potential Restructure/Extension Candidates:

• Baker Mayfield (2025 Cap = $35.77M) – A conventional restructure could save up to $22.96M.
• Tristan Wirfs (2025 Cap = $31.36M) – Could save $19.86M through restructuring.
• Mike Evans (2025 Cap = $26.02M) – Could save $16.32M by adding a void year or signing an extension.
• Antoine Winfield Jr. (2025 Cap = $25.00M) – Could save $15.86M through restructuring.
• Vita Vea (2025 Cap = $21.96M) – Could save $11.79M through restructuring.
• Jamel Dean (2025 Cap = $15.13M) – Could save $9.06M through restructuring.

The Bucs will likely look to restructure Mayfield and Wirfs’ contracts while possibly extending Evans and Winfield Jr. to spread out cap hits.

2025 Team Needs

Despite their success, Tampa Bay has clear areas of need that must be addressed to remain competitive. The priority positions include:

1. Cornerback (CB) – Secondary help is needed, especially if Jamel Dean or other defensive backs depart.
2. Linebacker (LB) – Lavonte David is aging, and the Bucs need to plan for the future at the position.
3. Edge Rusher (EDGE) – Tampa Bay’s pass rush needs reinforcements, especially with free agents like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka possibly leaving.
4. Guard (G) – With Ben Bredeson hitting free agency, the Bucs may look for a younger interior lineman.
5. Wide Receiver (WR) – If Chris Godwin departs, a top-tier WR will be needed alongside Mike Evans.

2025 NFL Draft Targets

With limited cap space, the Buccaneers will rely heavily on the draft to address these key needs. Some prospects who could fit in Tampa include:

• Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri – A dynamic playmaker who could help replace Godwin if he leaves.
• Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama – A versatile linebacker who can help bolster Tampa’s front seven.
• Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame – A shutdown corner who would provide much-needed depth in the secondary.
• Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina – A long, physical corner who could develop into a No. 1 option.
• Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia – An explosive pass-rusher with the potential to replace Tryon-Shoyinka.

The Buccaneers head into the 2025 offseason in a precarious position. While they remain the class of the NFC South, their salary cap limitations and free-agent decisions could shift the balance of power. The promotion of Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator will be pivotal in keeping the offense among the league’s elite, while defensive improvements must be made to ensure they remain contenders.

The next few months will determine whether Tampa Bay can stay on top of the NFC South or their reign will end. With smart roster moves, savvy cap management, and a successful draft, the Buccaneers can remain a force in the NFC.