5 Bold Predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2026 season facing a very different reality than they’ve experienced over the last decade.

For the first time since 2013, Mike Evans is no longer on the roster after signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Tampa Bay will also begin its first season without franchise legend Lavonte David, who retired after 14 seasons with the organization. Meanwhile, Zac Robinson takes over as offensive coordinator as the Buccaneers look to rebound from an 8-9 campaign and return to the playoffs.

Despite the changes, Tampa Bay still possesses one of the most talented young cores in the NFL. With Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Antoine Winfield Jr., Calijah Kancey, and Yaya Diaby leading the way, expectations remain high.

With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for the Buccaneers in 2026.

5. Benjamin Morrison Leads the Team in Interceptions

The Buccaneers selected Benjamin Morrison in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft because of his elite ball skills, and those traits could begin paying major dividends in his second season.

Morrison showed flashes as a rookie while adjusting to the speed of the NFL. Now entering Year 2, he has an opportunity to become one of Tampa Bay’s most dangerous defensive playmakers.

Opposing offenses will continue to account for Antoine Winfield Jr. whenever possible, creating opportunities for Morrison to make quarterbacks pay when they challenge him in coverage. His instincts, route recognition, and ability to track the football make him a legitimate candidate to lead the team in takeaways.

The Buccaneers have emphasized creating more turnovers in recent years, and Morrison has the skill set to become their most productive ball hawk.

4. Kenneth Gainwell Leads the Team in Receptions

This prediction sounds absurd on the surface.

After all, the Buccaneers feature Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton in the passing game. Yet there is a realistic path for Kenneth Gainwell to become one of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets.

The arrival of Zac Robinson could bring a greater emphasis on creating easy completions and getting running backs involved in space. Gainwell has built his NFL career on being a reliable receiver out of the backfield and has consistently shown the ability to contribute on passing downs.

With defenses focused on slowing down Tampa Bay’s talented receiver trio, Gainwell could quietly rack up catches underneath. He may not lead the team in receiving yards, but a season filled with checkdowns, screens, and option routes could allow him to finish atop the reception leaderboard.

That’s what makes this prediction bold.

3. The Buccaneers Finish Top 10 in Both Offense and Defense

If this prediction comes true, Tampa Bay will likely be playing meaningful football deep into January.

The offensive side of the equation feels realistic. Baker Mayfield continues to play some of the best football of his career, and the supporting cast around him remains impressive despite the departure of Mike Evans. Chris Godwin is the veteran leader of the group, while Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan have the talent to form one of the NFL’s best young receiver duos.

Bucky Irving’s continued development should also help keep the offense balanced.

The defense is where the leap must occur.

Calijah Kancey continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior pass rushers, while Yaya Diaby gives Tampa Bay a proven edge threat. Antoine Winfield Jr. remains one of the league’s premier safeties, and the continued development of Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish could transform the secondary from a question mark into a strength.

If those young defensive backs take the next step, a top-10 finish on both sides of the ball is not out of the question.

2. Jalen McMillan Scores More Touchdowns Than Emeka Egbuka

This isn’t a prediction that McMillan will have more catches or receiving yards.

It’s specifically about touchdowns.

Egbuka enters 2026 as one of the faces of the Buccaneers’ future after an impressive rookie campaign. He’s expected to be heavily involved in the offense and could easily lead the team in targets.

However, McMillan has already demonstrated a natural ability to find the end zone.

His combination of body control, route-running, and ability to create separation in tight spaces makes him a dangerous weapon near the goal line. With defenses likely dedicating extra attention to Godwin and Egbuka, McMillan could become one of Tampa Bay’s most effective red-zone targets.

It would not be surprising to see Egbuka post bigger overall numbers while McMillan finishes with the higher touchdown total.

1. Baker Mayfield Finishes Top Five in Passing Yards and Touchdowns

Baker Mayfield has already shown he can produce at an elite level.

Now he’ll have the opportunity to prove he can do it without Mike Evans.

Many outside observers expect Tampa Bay’s offense to regress following Evans’ departure. Instead, Mayfield could silence those concerns by delivering one of the best statistical seasons of his career.

The weapons remain impressive. Chris Godwin is healthy. Emeka Egbuka enters his second season. Jalen McMillan appears poised for a breakout campaign. Cade Otton remains a dependable target over the middle, while Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell provide versatility out of the backfield.

Just as importantly, Mayfield enters the season with a roster that has been built around his strengths.

If the Buccaneers find themselves in playoff contention throughout the season, there’s a strong chance Mayfield will once again rank among the league leaders in passing production.

A top-five finish in both passing yards and passing touchdowns would not only validate Tampa Bay’s confidence in its quarterback—it could also position the Buccaneers as one of the biggest surprises in the NFC.

Final Thoughts

Bold predictions are meant to be ambitious, and these certainly qualify. Benjamin Morrison emerging as the team’s interception leader, Kenneth Gainwell leading the roster in receptions, and Jalen McMillan outscoring Emeka Egbuka would all qualify as surprises.

But if the Buccaneers finish top 10 on both sides of the ball and Baker Mayfield delivers another elite season, Tampa Bay won’t just be fighting for a playoff spot.

They’ll be competing for a championship.