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Articles by Mike Kiwak
Buccaneers Preseason Week 3 Winners and Losers Original
It was a preseason finale to forget in Jacksonville Friday night, as the Buccaneers faltered to a 19-0 shutout at the hands of the Jaguars. The offense, even with dynamic undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels starting, could not muster even 100 total yards…all game. Preseason or not, that’s pretty gross, and in fact it was the lowest total any team has posted all preseason as of this article. Nevertheless, the exhibitions end and the real festivities begin soon enough.
Buccaneers Preseason Week 2 Winners and Losers Original
The Buccaneers sneaked away with another preseason victory Saturday, skating past the Kansas City Chiefs, 16-15, at Raymond James Stadium. Several starters got some run this week, with mixed results. The offense looked inert, really just out there for some light exercise before exiting with two 3-and-out drives. The defense looked much better, completely stoning the Chiefs on both drives.
Buccaneers Preseason Week 1 Winners and Losers Original
The Buccaneers kicked their preseason off in earnest with a closely contested 24-16 victory against the New York Jets Friday night. Considering the Bucs did not play a single starter on offense or defense and the Jets started all their healthy first-stringers, it’s a favorable outcome for Tampa Bay as they looked like the better team most of the evening. Some specific names stood out, for better or worse, and we’ll go through those callouts now.
Egbuka toe injury deemed “stable” Original
The Buccaneers received welcome news about young star Emeka Egbuka, who injured his foot during joint practice with the New York Jets this week. Per the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, Egbuka met with specialists and got diagnosed with a stable toe sprain that should not put his season-opener status in jeopardy.
David Walker turning heads at camp
TAMPA, FL - JULY 31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker David Walker (51) goes thru drills during Training Camp on July 31, 2026 at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images It's easy to find hopium through training camp practices and reports.
David Walker turning heads at camp
It’s easy to find hopium through training camp practices and reports. That can be dangerous, but at least it can also offer clues on who to pay closer attention to as joint team practices and preseason games draw closer. In a do-or-die year for Todd Bowles’s defense, there have been some early bright spots that should be stoking some excitement. Namely, pass rusher David Walker, who tore his ACL during last training camp, seems to have rebounded in a big way.
Reports: Vita Vea requests trade out of Tampa Bay Original
Multiple sources have reported that franchise cornerstone Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Buccaneers. Vea, 31, has played 8 seasons for Tampa as one of the most elite nose tackles in the NFL and a massive fan favorite — both figuratively and literally at 6-foot-4, 347 pounds. Vea has sought a new contract all off-season, as he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2027 at age 32.
Buccaneers Off-Season Position Review: Wide Receivers & Tight Ends Original
As the offensive portion of our offseason review nears its end, we’ll examine the group with by far the most questions entering the season. The Bucs’ offense will likely live and die by the production of its receiving corps and, by extension, its chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Let’s dive right into it. It’s hard to keep dwelling on it, but it’s an immutably present question for the 2026 Buccaneers until toe meets leather.
Buccaneers Off-Season Position Review: Running Back Original
To continue our series on reviewing the off-season state of the Buccaneers’ roster, we’ll take a quick look at the running back situation next. The Bucs low-key have some developments to monitor here, and it will be huge in determining how successful the running game adapts under new playcaller Zac Robinson. After starring in a stocked Buccaneers offense in 2024, and as a rookie no less, Bucky Irving’s star came crashing down to Earth for various reasons last year.
Buccaneers Off-Season Position Review: Quarterback Original
As the football lull slowly draws to a close with July training camp on the horizon, we’ll review developments that have taken place on a position-by-position basis for the Buccaneers. First, and perhaps most importantly, is the quarterback position. The 2026 season is a critical inflection point for starter Baker Mayfield and his long-term future with Tampa Bay, and the off-season has provided some more insight into how team leadership is handling the situation.
Post-NFL Draft Projected Buccaneers Depth Chart Original
The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and with its end brings new beginnings for 100s of hopeful pros. The Buccaneers added 7 total players in the draft proper, however they also signed many undrafted free agents and invited others mini-camp. Plenty of spots are already solidified up and down the depth chart, but others will be interesting to watch when training camp begins toward the end of July. Let’s assess the current roster and how it’s shaping up.
What Bauer Sharp Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers decided to end their NFL Draft early in Round 6 by trading up with the Las Vegas Raiders — a first between Jason Licht and former disciple John Spytek — and drafting some tight end competition in the form of Bauer Sharp from LSU. Sharp should come in and compete with Devin Culp for the TE4 spot from the get-go, but the recent QB-to-TE convert may have enough upside to be something more. Let’s dive into his background.
What Billy Schrauth Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
After investing in the defensive side of the trenches with their first fifth-round pick, they switched back to offense with their second fifth-rounder by selecting Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth. Schrauth should come in and immediately compete for a primary backup spot among the interior line, which suffered from a litany of injuries and poor play last season.
What Demonte Capehart Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers continued with their defensive line makeover, using their first of two fifth-round picks to select Clemson defensive tackle Demonte Capehart. He’ll serve as vital depth upgrade with his overall size and on-field attitude, possibly getting snaps at 5-technique and nose tackle in the second line behind Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and A’Shawn Robinson. He’s a six-year college player, but the physical traits suggest there’s more potential yet to be unearthed. Let’s learn more.
What Keionte Scott Does the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers added another attack dog to their paddock Saturday, as they used their fourth-rounder on Miami defensive back Keionte Scott. With the Buccaneers needing more depth in their secondary, they invested in the versatile Scott, who blossomed as the best member of Miami’s secondary in 2025. He’ll immediately offer valuable depth at safety and nickel, and he may even push to start at the latter if Jacob Parrish claims a starting outside corner spot.
Bucs Nation Open Thread for Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft Original
The Buccaneers have multiple selections to use on Day 3. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off at noon Saturday, April 25th, and the Buccaneers still have plenty to do.
Potential Day 3 Buccaneers Targets Original
Through 3 rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bucs have hit on some big needs but their work hasn’t finished. After a third-round trade, the Bucs now have an extra fifth-rounder to work with, totaling 5 picks in rounds 4-7. We’ll throw out some more names to keep an eye out for.
What Ted Hurst Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers remain extremely committed to maintaining a top-tier receiver room, and that continued on Friday with a round 3 investment in the form of Georgia State’s Ted Hurst. The last time the Buccaneers selected a wide receiver at pick 84? Chris Godwin. That worked out pretty well. Hurst is not the same type of player, however, as the 6-foot-3 1/2” speedster represents the ideal fit in the “X” receiver role — recently vacated by the legendary Mike Evans.
What Josiah Trotter Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers addressed their gaping hole at MIKE linebacker on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, selecting Missouri’s Josiah Trotter at 46th overall. Trotter will pair with new signing Alex Anzalone to hopefully elevate the floor of the Bucs’ linebacking corps, which has been way too much of liability over the last two seasons. He’s still very young, but his instincts and dynamic playstyle are super encouraging and indicate there’s lots of ceiling to strive for. Let’s learn more about him.
Potential Day 2 Buccaneers Target
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images After pulling off a Day 1 coup with Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., the Buccaneers will look to build off a strong start to the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday during rounds 2 and 3.
What Rueben Bain Jr. Does for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Original
In what could be the steal of the first round, the Buccaneers snagged a sliding Rueben Bain Jr. at 15th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to massively bolster their pass rushing potential. Widely projected as a top-10 pick, Bain should immediately start opposite Yaya Diaby with Al-Quadin Muhammad and David Walker subbing in, a unit that has more promise than any other prior iteration since Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. Let’s learn more about the Buccaneers’ new edge defender.
Final 7-Round 2026 Buccaneers Mock Draft Original
The Buccaneers should be one of the more interesting agents in the 2026 NFL Draft as they currently sit at a pivot point that they could really leverage to their gain. For the first time this year, I’ve included trades in a mock because I want to embrace the chaos. Without further ado… I highlighted some points on this selection in my full seven-round mock earlier in the day, but we’ll expand a little more here.
Mike Kiwak’s 2026 First-Round NFL Mock Draft Original
The NFL Draft is finally here, and this one promises to be a fun one just because of the sheer unpredictability after No. 1 overall. I’ve even gotten feisty with FIVE trades just to spice it up and have some fun (that’s been the rough average number over the last few years). Let’s get right into it. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Your time is precious, I’m not wasting it. We’ve all known the pick for nearly 4 months, and it is a no-brainer. Next.
Bucs Nation 2026 NFL Draft Roundtable Original
The Buccaneers face a critical weekend as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. How will they inject their roster with fresh talent? The Bucs Nation writers discuss. Evan Wanish (EW): Yeah, being at 15th overall isn’t the best scenario just based on this draft class and who may be off the board. By the time Tampa selects, all of the top pass rushers and linebacker will be gone. I’d look to trade down first but that could also be difficult because it takes two to tango.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami Original
The Buccaneers’ desperate need for a pass rush will require some level of investment in the 2026 NFL Draft, but when will that come? If it comes within the top 5o, a name that will merit some discussion is Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, who really took off in 2025 as a part of a College Football Championship-contending Hurricanes team. Let’s see if the Bucs would be a good fit for him. A native of Ottawa, Canada, Mesidor has traversed a long, winding path to get to this point.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Original
When the NFL Draft weekend rolls around next weekend, most fans will be anxiously watching to see how the Buccaneers address their multiple front-7 needs on defense. It may be a toss-up between what’s more dire, edge rusher or inside linebacker, but there’s little doubt that those positions will be addressed within the first three or four rounds. If it’s going to be in the Top 50, might the Buccaneers consider Texas Tech turnover machine Jacob Rodriguez? Let’s investigate.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee Original
The Buccaneers have invested premium draft capital in their secondary as recently as 2025, but 2026 might see further additions still. With a top-15 pick in tow, could the Bucs consider someone like Jermod McCoy, who is widely considered to be in a 1A-1B situation for top cornerback prospect with LSU’s Mansoor Delane? Let’s dive more into it.
Post-Free Agency 7-Round Buccaneers Mock Draft Original
With free agency mostly settled, final preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft are well underway for all 32 franchises. The Buccaneers are facing a critical draft weekend when April 23-25 arrives, as Jason Licht, Todd Bowles, and Co. must make splashes at multiple key positions while building out depth for a make-or-break season.
Assessing Buccaneers Roster Needs Post-Free Agency Original
With the bulk of free agency firmly in the rearview mirror and the 2026 NFL Draft roughly 4 weeks away, it’s time to break out the trusty Bucs Nation thermostat to measure how needy the Buccaneers are, position by position. It’s been a significant off-season thus far for Tampa Bay, with a flurry of names of coming and (mostly) going as the coaching staff quite possibly faces its make-it-or-break-it season in a few months.
Buccaneers lose Mike Evans to 49ers Original
In one of the most sobering days in modern Buccaneers history, fans will need to bid farewell to all-time great receiver Mike Evans, who agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Monday. Multiple sources reported that Evans agreed to a 3-year deal worth up to $60 million with the perpetual NFC West contenders, leaving the only place he’s called home in the NFL for 12 seasons.
RB Kenneth Gainwell signs with Buccaneers Original
The Buccaneers moved quickly to address the running back position after Rachaad White’s departure, adding former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Kenneth Gainwell on Monday. The deal is for two years, $14 million with $10 million guaranteed, per multiple outlets. Gainwell, 26, set career highs in rushing and receiving yards last season with Pittsburgh after his first four years went by in Philadelphia relatively quietly as a 2021 5th round pick.
Buccaneers re-sign TE Cade Otton Original
Multiple sources reported that the Buccaneers have re-signed tight end Cade Otton to an extension Monday. The extension is for 3 years, with money undisclosed. Entering year 5 of his career, the 26-year-old Otton produced solid numbers as Tampa’s TE1 through his rookie deal. In 63 career games (58 starts), Otton has logged 207 receptions for 2,018 yards and 11 touchdowns.
2026 Buccaneers 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0 Original
Head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht face a paramount off-season that could very well determine their long-term futures with the Buccaneers. After an epic second-half collapse in 2025 saw a 6-2 start give way to a pitiful 2-7 finish, which resulted in no playoffs for the first time since 2019, Bowles barely kept a grasp on his job while being forced to make several staff changes.
Assessing pending 2026 Buccaneers free agents Original
Decisions need to be made by next month on the Buccaneers free agents. As the Buccaneers face potentially their biggest offseason in recent years, given 2025’s tumultuous ending, they’ll need to evaluate their pending free agent class. While the list isn’t as long as some recent years, there will still be some major decisions on the road ahead — especially when considering outside free agents might get stronger consideration than in years past.
Buccaneers tab Zac Robinson as new offensive coordinator Original
The Buccaneers moved quickly to secure their next offensive coordinator Wednesday night, tabbing former Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson after a second interview in-person. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the deal Thursday morning. The Bucs forewent seeing through another second interview with former Titans head coach Brian Callahan, as Todd Bowles and Co. seemed to come away impressed with a now-former division rival.
Buccaneers fire OC Josh Grizzard Original
The Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after just one season, per multiple reports. The change comes on the heels of the Bucs confirming Todd Bowles’s return as head coach for the 2026 season despite the team’s disappointing 8-9 finish. The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud initially reported his retention and added that significant staff changes were coming, of which this move marks the first domino to fall.
REPORT: Buccaneers retain Todd Bowles as head coach for 2026 Original
Per the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, Todd Bowles confirmed in a text message that he will be returning as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2026. The topic of Bowles’s employment has been a hot topic since the final month of the season began and only heated up from there, as the Bucs lost 4 out of their last 5 games and 7 out of their last 9.
Re-evaluating the Buccaneers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks Original
While the conclusion of the 2025 season for the Buccaneers has largely brought dread and an extreme focus on the coaching staff, the 50th football campaign in Tampa history did yield some bright spots. Generally speaking, the 2025 NFL Draft class churned out a lot more positive nuggets than negative ones for the Bucs, and we should hopefully see them build on a team core that’s still plenty talented. Let’s review the rookies.
Buccaneers Week 18 Top Performers vs. Carolina Panthers Original
Well, wins are still wins. As horrible as the last two months have gone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their playoff hopes still glimmer after yet another messy, rain-soaked game in the confines of Raymond James Stadium. Despite the defense almost blowing it, again, the Panthers couldn’t surmount their own mistakes and some questionable officiating as the Bucs won 16-14.
Buccaneers Week 16 Top Performers at Carolina Panthers Original
I’m tired, man. I’m sure most of you all are, too. How many more positives can be dug out of the pile of manure that’s now firmly ensconced the Buccaneers’ 2025 season?
Buccaneers Week 15 Top Performers vs. Atlanta Falcons Original
What can you even say about this latest debacle? Thursday night. Creamsicles. Against the Falcons. Against Kirk Cousins. It’s like we all knew we were standing in the path of a charging freight train, and for some reason we believed it would brake in time or magically veer off the track. No no, we all got hit full speed — a bloody smear sprayed all over the tattered grass of Raymond James Stadium.
Buccaneers Week 14 Top Performers vs. New Orleans Saints Original
The book on the 2025 Buccaneers is nearly penned, and it’s not shaping up to be a happy ending. The Bucs’ precipitous nosedive continued Sunday after a shaky course correction attempt last week, as the home team floundered in poor weather against a divisional rival in a 24-20 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. Pretty much no part of the team inspired confidence, with all three phases experiencing game-breaking issues that hampered it against a (now) 3-win Saints team.
Buccaneers Week 13 Top Performers vs. Arizona Cardinals Original
For the first time in more than a month, the Buccaneers and their fans again experience victory — though one would hardly call it a particularly encouraging one. Clunkiness on offense and defense continued to plague Tampa, but enough plays from both sides led to a narrow 20-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday. The win pushes Tampa’s record to 7-5 and finally stops the bleeding caused by the team’s annual mid-season slump, as it’s the first W since Oct. 26 against the Saints.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Bucs: Inactives for Week 13 Original
The 6-5 Buccaneers begin their homestand with a matchup against the 3-8 Cardinals. The Bucs need a win to snap their mid-season backslide, as they’ve lost 3 in a row and 4 out of 5, and they face a prime opportunity to do so against a Cardinals team that has 1 win in their last 8 games. Tampa is finally getting healthy, with several key players primed to return Sunday.
Buccaneers sign special teams ace to practice squad
The Buccaneers made a rare special teams-oriented move Friday, signing former All-Pro J.T. Gray to the practice squad. The 29-year-old Gray, an 8th-year safety who’s played 98 career games, will take the place of guard Karsen Barnhart, who was released in a corresponding move. Gray spent the first seven years of his career with the New Orleans Saints, with whom he earned one first-team nod (2021) and two second-team nods (2019 and 2024) as an All-Pro special teamer.
Buccaneers sign special teams ace to practice squad
The Buccaneers made a rare special teams-oriented move Friday, signing former All-Pro J.T. Gray to the practice squad. The 29-year-old Gray, an 8th-year safety who’s played 98 career games, will take the place of guard Karsen Barnhart, who was released in a corresponding move. Gray spent the first seven years of his career with the New Orleans Saints, with whom he earned one first-team nod (2021) and two second-team nods (2019 and 2024) as an All-Pro special teamer.
Buccaneers Week 11 Top Performers at Buffalo Bills Original
Dread it. Run from it. The Buccaneers’ mid-season slump arrives all the same. For the fourth season in a row, the Buccaneers are staring down the very real possibility of a three-game losing slump in the middle of the year, as they dropped their second consecutive game Sunday and third in the last four as the Bills rammed through them, 44-32.
Buccaneers Week 10 Top Performers vs. New England Patriots Original
An ugly afternoon played out in the skies and on the field as the Buccaneers squandered several opportunities to trump a red-hot Patriots team. The offense looked slightly better compared to the prior two games, as you’d hope out of a bye, but it still wasn’t good enough, while the defense allowed an unacceptable number of splash plays to put the game out of reach in a 28-23 defeat.
Buccaneers Week 8 Top Performers at New Orleans Saints Original
Oftentimes, it did not come smoothly, but the Buccaneers still cruised by a bitter division rival in large part to a dominant defensive outing.
Buccaneers Week 7 Top Performers at Detroit Lions Original
At this point, all Buccaneers fans are all too familiar with this feeling. The team is playing well, guys are looking good, then a primetime game against a quality opponent happens and it all goes to pot. Over the last two years, we’ve seen it happen against the Chiefs, the Ravens, the Eagles, the Bills, and the Lions…the Bucs find themselves unprepared and unproductive under the bright lights, and that carried over with a stinging 24-9 defeat Monday.
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