Mike Evans completed his 11th straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards, and Baker Mayfield reached new career highs in both passing yards and touchdowns. Unfortunately, their impressive campaigns concluded with a home defeat to the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders triumphed over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 23-20 in the NFC wild-card round, marking the end of Tampa Bay’s season.

As the team looks towards the 2025 season, what changes are on the horizon for Evans, Mayfield, and the Buccaneers? YSL News Sports provides insights.

Key Free Agents for the Buccaneers in 2025

Chris Godwin

Godwin’s season was cut short due to a serious ankle injury. The emergence of rookie Jalen McMillan might render Godwin less essential. Before his injury in 2024, Godwin had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and recorded 50 receptions with five touchdowns in just seven games.

Lavonte David

David signed a one-year contract with the Bucs in March 2024 and wrapped up his third successive season with over 120 tackles. The team may consider offering him another short-term deal this offseason as he outperformed Tampa Bay’s second-best tackler by 40 tackles.

Ben Bredeson

The Buccaneers boasted one of the top offensive lines in the league. Bredeson participated in 1,126 snaps at the guard position, allowing only two sacks as noted by Pro Football Focus. Tampa Bay ranked in the top six for pass and run block win rates according to ESPN.

Buccaneers Offseason Outlook: Three Moves to Consider

Boosting Edge Rushers

The Bucs brought back Shaq Barrett in December after he was released by Miami, emphasizing their need for improvements at edge rusher. Defensive tackles Calijah Kancey (7.5 sacks) and Vita Vea (7 sacks) led the team in sacks.

Enhancing the Secondary

The Buccaneers’ passing defense ranked 29th in the league, with a negative turnover differential of five. The team recorded just seven interceptions, placing them near the bottom of the NFL.

Developing a Linebacker

If the Bucs opt to re-sign David, he will be 35 years old at the start of the upcoming season. It’s essential for Tampa Bay to start developing a linebacker to eventually take over the position.

Drafting Needs for the Buccaneers

• Edge Rusher
• Linebacker
• Offensive Line

The Buccaneers currently have six selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 7

Stay updated with YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.