Buccaneers Keep Numbers 13 and 54 ‘Off Limits’

The 2026 season marks a fresh start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to rebound after an 8-9 campaign that ended their playoff streak for the first time since 2020. It also signals the beginning of a new chapter in Tampa Bay, with two franchise icons no longer part of the organization.

Mike Evans bolted to San Francisco in free agency, while longtime linebacker Lavonte David retired after 14 seasons in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have attempted to address those losses by signing linebacker Alex Anzalone and drafting Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter and Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round, but replacing the impact and leadership of two franchise greats will not be easy.

The Buccaneers know Evans and David cannot truly be replaced. During an appearance on Kay Adams’ Up & Adams show Thursday, general manager Jason Licht shared one way the organization is preserving the legacy both franchise icons left behind in Tampa Bay.

Buccaneers Keep Numbers 13 and 54 ‘Off Limits’ for Rookies

Adams spoke with Licht at length about the impact Evans and David had on the Buccaneers franchise, but before the interview wrapped up, she asked about the team’s rookie jersey numbers ahead of minicamp.

“I keep seeing on socials that the jersey numbers are starting to trickle out. I can’t help but notice that no one has taken 13 or 54. Are those off limits? I’m gonna say those are off limits for now.“

The decision is consistent with how the Buccaneers have long handled certain jersey numbers. The franchise has officially retired Lee Roy Selmon’s No. 63, Derrick Brooks’ No. 55 and Warren Sapp’s No. 99, making those numbers unavailable to all players.

Tampa Bay also has several unofficially protected numbers. New players have generally stayed away from Ronde Barber’s No. 20, John Lynch’s No. 47 and Mike Alstott’s No. 40. The practice extends to more recent franchise icons as well, as no Buccaneers player has worn Tom Brady’s No. 12 since his departure following the 2022 season.