Todd Bowles
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The Buccaneers have multiple impact players who may not return in 2026.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ core could look different in 2026, with a bunch of important pieces on expiring contracts. The NFL posted its “Top 25 NFL free agents in 2026” on Friday, and the Buccaneers make up four of the top 20 selections.
Playing in a contract year can help motivate players looking to earn a big day, which could benefit Tampa Bay. There is a chance that any of the players could be extended before the season ends to ensure they don’t become free agents.
As it stands, the Buccaneers are set to have just over $38 million of cap space in 2026. That number gives them the 12th most money in the league. As a team with Super Bowl aspirations, Tampa Bay is sure to look to keep as many players around as possible
Two of the Highest-Paid Positions Are Expiring
Headlining the group of impending free agents is wide receiver Mike Evans, entering the second year of a two-year extension. The 11th-ranked free agent is currently under contract for an average of $20,500,000 a year. It would be a shocking move if the long-time Buccaneer didn’t return.
The wide receiver group outside of Evans is impressive, especially after the addition of Emeka Egbuka. The first-round pick could be a sign that the team understands regression is looming for Evans as he enters the back end of his career at 32 years old.
Ranking just behind Evans at No. 12 is right tackle Luke Goedeke. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract, and will be looking for a big pay raise. His current, four-year, $6,178,985 contract will most likely be trounced by what’s to come in 2026.
At tackle, Tampa Bay’s depth currently includes veteran Charlie Heck and undrafted free agent Benjamin Chukwuma. The team proved it’s willing to spend big money at the tackle position after signing Tristan Wirfs to a five-year, $140,600,000 extension.
Rounding out the Top Four Expiring Deals
Cornerback Zyon McCollum is ranked 16th on the NFL’s list, also entering his age-26 season. He, too, is currently in the last year of his rookie contract and will be looking for a raise. As a fifth-round pick back in 2022, McCollum is currently on a measly four-year, $3,981,732 contract.
Luckily for McCollum, cornerback is another position that the Buccaneers have paid handsomely in recent memory. Jamel Dean cashed in on a four-year, $52 million contract back in 2023. Similar to wide receiver, the cornerback position was a main focus of this year’s draft, making a second (Benjamin Morrison) and third-round (Jacob Parrish) addition.
If it hasn’t become clear, the best picks of Tampa Bay’s 2022 draft class make up the majority of its expiring deals. Tight end Cade Otton also fits the bill, entering the final year of his four-year, $4,493,944 rookie contract at 26 years old. He comes in at No. 18 for the 2026 free agents.
The young tight end is currently dealing with a leg injury, but is the main asset at his position with little depth behind him. He’ll look to build off an impressive year in 2024, and hopefully cash in with a big-time payday.