Fire The Cannons: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Enter 2025 with Offensive Firepower

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for a monumental milestone in 2025, the franchise’s 50th season. As we prepare to enter the team’s half-century’ed season, they’re making sure this years one for the ages. Of the past fifty years, this squad could truly solidify themselves as the most dominant offense in franchise history. Let the NFC South and the rest of the League beware, Tampa Bay has the cannons locked on target and the fuse just got lit!

The Offensive Line

Following the departure of former OC Liam Coen to become the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buccaneers enter this season under a new Offensive Coordinator, Josh Grizzard. With the addition of Grizzard comes a direct focus of building the trenches in order to keep his star QB on his feet at all times. The powerhouse of an offensive line for the Bucs continues to stand out with the return of Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs, Right Tacke Luke Goedeke, and Right Guard Cody Mauch.

As Training Camp approaches, the biggest thing to note comes from Wirfs, who will be inactive for all team participation following knee surgery reported earlier this month. Wirfs will begin the season on the Phisically Unable to Perform list (PUP), and will be sidelined for at least the first 4 weeks of the regular season.

Quarterback

The Baker Mayfield show in Tampa Bay goes on! Mayfield, coming off his most proficient season in 2024, is ready to toss the rock all over RayJay once more. Baker proved that he is amongst the NFL’s top passers, and should be regarded as such. Behind Baker is fifth year veteran back up, Kyle Trask. As Trask enters year five with the organization, he provides a calming vet presence if worst came to worst. Backing out the room is second year stud Michael Pratt, who entered the NFL with high hopes following an impressive career at Tulane.

Wide Receiver

When I said this Bucs’ offense was explosive, I wasn’t lying. Y’all know about the best WR duo the NFL has to offer: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Mr. Consistency Mike Evans is looking to produce his twelfth consecutive 1,000+ yard season. While he may be on the wrong side of 30, the future Hall of Famer has indicated no signs of stopping anytime soon, as he annually finishes amongst the NFL’s top pass catchers.

As for Godwin, there is a lot of concerns with his injury recovery and early availability. In week 7 of last season, Chris Godwin suffered a horrific ankle injury that left him sidelined for the remainder of the season. A report from the Tampa Bay Times indicated that Godwin is still not 100%, and will continue his rehab away from team activity during Camp, but the fans should be ready to welcome him back to the field for the Bucs’ week 1 matchup in New Orleans.

Before his untimely injury, Chris Godwin was on pace for a career year, boasting 576 yards (#2 NFL at time) on 50 catches and 5 touchdowns. Only time will tell to see if Godwin is able to bounce back to that potential All-Pro level.

Towards the middle of the depth chart, Tampa boasts a talented trio of Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepard. McMillan, a second year guy out of Washington, is hoping to build upon a very strong foundation set in his rookie year. As for Palmer, Tampa Bay is hoping to tap some of that raw potential in his third season with the team. The talent is most certainly there- now we’ve got to produce. Finally, veteran Sterling Shepard is preparing to have a dynamic second season with the Bucs.

Rounding out the receiving room is a pair of rookies- Emeka Egbuka from The Ohio State University (R1, Pick 19) and Tez Johnson from Oregon (R7, Pick 235). Both Egbuka and Johnson provide much needed speed to this offense, and we could even see one or two of them produce as special teamers.

Running Back

It’s time for Bucky the Buc’s sophomore season, and boy are we hyped. Bucky Irving dominated his rookie year, rushing for 1,122 yards (10th NFL) and 8 scores. Bucky is a dynamic back that truly opens up this offense to it’s full potential. Irving’s versatility will single handedly keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night trying to game plan about his rushing and catching abilities.

Behind Irving is Sean Tucker and Rachaad White, who both serve as competent backups and rotational pieces.

Tightends

Tampa Bay’s Tight End room is definitely a sneaky group to watch. Spear headed by the great Cade Otten, Tampa’s TE/H-Back room is the most reliable and versatile groups on the team. This group, also featuring Payne Durham, Deven Culp, and Ko Keift can provide excellent upside in the passing game, but can dig their feet into the dirt and provide an extra blocker for the previously stated rushers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will officially start training camp Wedneday July 23 at the Advent Health Training Center. Few camps will be open to the public, including days just for season ticket holders. Fans can find tickets available here.