The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are firmly in the midst of their 2025 offseason program, having just completed their rookie minicamp (May 9-11) and with two weeks off until organized team actives (OTAs) begin on May 27.
Here are three questions we have for the four-time defending NFC South champions as we head deeper into the offseason.
1. How does another offensive coordinator change impact the team?
The Bucs will have their fourth offensive coordinator in four seasons this fall. The previous two (Dave Canales, Liam Coen) used their one season as Tampa’s offensive coordinator as a springboard to a head coaching job, while the team fired former coordinator Byron Leftwich in 2022 following his fourth season in the role.
Instead of looking outside for their 2025 hire, the Bucs promoted from within this year, with 2024 pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard being named offensive coordinator in February.
If any quarterback can handle a change in coordinators, it’s Baker Mayfield, entering this third year as the team’s starter. Since becoming the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 2017 Heisman winner has had eight offensive coordinators (Todd Haley, Freddie Kitchens, Todd Monken, Alex Van Pelt, Ben McAdoo, Coen, Canales, Grizzard).
With Grizzard running the same offense as Coen, Tampa shouldn’t have as many growing pains if it brought in someone from outside the organization. But until Grizzard proves himself as a play caller, the Bucs won’t know for sure if they made another successful hire.
2. What does the wide receiver depth chart look like?
Mike Evans, coming off his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, is the clear WR1. Chris Godwin would be the No. 2, but his October 2024 ankle injury could keep him out for the start of the season.
2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka would be the likely third receiver on the depth chart, although the offseason competition with 2024 third-round selection Jalen McMillan could be one of the best this summer.
McMillan came on strong at the end of his rookie year. Per NFL Pro, the former Washington wideout led the NFL with six touchdown receptions over the final five weeks of the regular season (Weeks 14-18).
Egbuka is coming off winning a national title at Ohio State as a senior. In 16 games last season, he had 81 receptions, 1,011 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns
As the team’s first-round pick, he probably has the edge. Head coach Todd Bowles praised Egbuka after his selection, telling reporters, “The character of the man especially tells you a lot about the player.”
“It’s very rare that you have the character and the player match up,” he added, before sharing, “That’s the kind of player you want to draft.”
3. Does undrafted free agent cornerback Shilo Sanders make the roster?
Everyone wants to know whether Shilo’s brother, Shedeur Sanders, will win the Browns starting quarterback competition, but we’re fully invested in Shilo’s pursuit of a roster spot in Tampa.
From a purely entertainment perspective, Shilo belongs. He was comedic gold during the NFL Draft as Shedeur waited until Day 3 to be selected.
“If they making him wait,” Shilo said, referring to his brother, “Oh, buddy. Me?” he asked incredulously. Self-awareness is an underrated trait.
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