Bucs 'Exploding' Toward NFL Dark-Horse Success In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 9:12 AM ET

We are at the point in the NFL offseason where everyone thinks their team has what it takes to go all the way and hoist the Lombardi trophy, but in reality, only a select few have the credentials to do so.

And one might be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Yes, we hear you laughing, and granted, this is just a projection, but looking at Todd Bowles' roster, after a solid offseason that got Baker Mayfield another weapon in Emeka Egbuka, and Haason Reddick was signed, Tampa Bay does have a roster that is at least capable of playing at the big boy table in the NFC.

And for NFL.com's Eric Edholm, in his top-10 most complete rosters entering the 2025 season, the Buccaneers land at No. 7.

"Baker Mayfield’s reemergence is a major reason for them landing in the top 10, but the overall health of the roster might be as strong as it has been since Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title five years ago," Edholm writes.

"The Bucs might lack true blue-chip talent at several positions, and not everyone might be convinced that Mayfield is a true difference-maker and winner. But the pieces are there for another division-title run -- and perhaps more. If the explosive offense hits peak performance, this might be one of the higher-scoring attacks in the league."

Seen as favorites for the division title, if we are being honest, that is the minimum pass mark for Mayfield and Co. in 2025.

With a defense that has added Reddick and has two new corners in draftees Benjamin Morrison (second round) and Jacob Parrish (third round), the unit looks to have gotten a little more stout.

But offensively is where it's at for Tampa Bay.

A receiver room housing Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and now Emeka Egbuka, plus tight end Cade Otten and running backs Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker, the offense under Josh Grizzard will be the straw that stirs the team's drink.

If, and that's a big if, the Buccaneers can avoid the injury bug, which decimated both sides of the ball last season, they have the potential to do some nasty damage this season.

And it is for that very reason that Tampa Bay might be poised for a deep playoff run, possibly more.

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

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