Three reasons to be optimistic about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even Tom Brady couldn't squeeze a winning record out of the Bucs in 2022, perhaps a bad omen for Tampa Bay's 2023. The Brady era may have ended with a lackluster defeat to the Cowboys in the wild-card round, but that doesn't mean it's time for a fire sale in Tampa Bay. These are the reasons why. 

1. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales

Byron Leftwich was made the scapegoat for Tampa Bay's offensive struggles in 2022, but the Bucs landed a promising young coach to replace him. Canales, who served as QB coach in Seattle, was announced as offensive coordinator on Feb. 17. 

Geno Smith had a career year with Canales as his QB coach, which should give free-agent quarterbacks a reason to consider the Bucs this offseason. 

The new OC is ready to get to work -- with or without a veteran QB. In his introductory remarks, Canales expressed confidence in Kyle Trask, the only QB under contract for the Bucs in 2023.

He highlighted Trask's playmakers in college at Florida, noting his ability to distribute the football to his weapons. He has two of the best in Tampa Bay.

2. Top offensive talent remains

Other teams would be wise to poach Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but the talented wide receivers could be lures for a veteran QB in Tampa Bay. Free agents Jacoby Brissett and Jimmy Garoppolo might consider the Bucs because of Evans and Godwin.

Godwin had a career-high 104 receptions in 2022 and Evans -- in his ninth year in the NFL -- had his ninth consecutive 1,000-yard season. 

3. Weak NFC South

Tampa Bay won the division with an 8-9 record in 2022, its second consecutive NFC South title. While the Bucs may consider trading some of their stars, they could also look at the state of the putrid division and believe they're a QB away from extending their reign.

Should receivers Evans and Godwin return, as well as defensive tackle Vita Vea and linebackers Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David and Devin White, Tampa Bay will have as good a chance as any team to win the division.