The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have positioned themselves nicely this offseason to have a genuine tilt at the Super Bowl.
Yes, we can hear the skeptics, but there's no denying that Tampa Bay has all the tools needed for a deep postseason run; it just has to avoid the injury bug. Boasting one of the best offenses in football (on paper) and what we think will be an improved defense, Todd Bowles has this group in a good spot ahead of 2025.
And for Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab, the Buccaneers aren't just an also-ran for the Super Bowl; they are up there with the contenders.
“I think they are close to being a Super Bowl contender," Schwab said. "I think this offense is awesome. I think adding Emeka Egbuka in the first round was a little bit unconventional, but when you look at it, you’re like, ‘Make your strength stronger. We’re just gonna make Baker Mayfield the best quarterback we could possibly make him.’
"This is a team that won at Detroit last year. They should have won at Kansas City, if they go for two — just a bad mistake to let Patrick Mahomes win in overtime. But this is a team I think is right there. I think they’re very, very close.”
Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans
Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans
By Tony Fisher
The big question mark as we head to training camp is how new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will fare calling games for the first time. Having been the passing game coordinator last season under Liam Coen, Grizzard will no doubt put his spin on things.
But how he calls games could determine how far this offense can take this team in 2025 with Baker Mayfield leading the charge.
The Buccaneers were being slept on last season, but now, there's no hiding anymore. They have garnered genuine momentum for a deep playoff run, and considering the makeup of their roster, winning playoff games, not the division, is the pass mark for Bowles and Co.
They have all the weapons needed, but can the franchise bring it all together?
That my friends, is the big question facing Tampa Bay in 2025.