Analyst Tips Buccaneers To Be 'Difficult' Proposition In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 4:49 AM ET

We are at the stage of the offseason where every player looks like a Pro Bowler and the good vibes are flowing, but for NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, when assessing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he likes what he sees.

Out at practice for OTAs, Baldinger got to observe Todd Bowles' team being put through their paces in preparation for training camp, which took place in sweltering heat.

Much has been made of the weapons at Baker Mayfield's disposal and how electric the unit can be, and after seeing them up close, Baldinger came away with one thought when assessing the 2025 Buccaneers.

"I gotta tell you, Tampa Bay is going to be a difficult out for a lot of teams," Baldinger said. " They're going to be a very good team, Baker is a hell of a player, you get Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, rookie Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin will get healthy, you get Bucky Irving back for Year 2 and Rachaad White, and they're one of the few teams that returns all five starters on the offensive line."

It is no secret that the offense will be the straw that stirs the team's drink in 2025 with Mayfield at the center of it.

Coming off a season where he totaled 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, now he gets Godwin back, and Egbuka to go with a host of weapons that are the envy of the league.

But it all has to come together again, because if we know anything about the NFL, it is that success isn't linear, and the Buccaneers will be starting from scratch this season.

So, yes, it is early in the offseason, but Baldinger's comments suggest that maybe this is the year when Tampa Bay isn't overlooked.

They have a roster capable of making noise not only in the NFC but also in the league, and Baldinger witnessed firsthand how Bowles' teams conduct their business, coming away with one thought.

The Buccaneers are going to be a problem in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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