The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off training camp Wednesday morning, and the team is already eyeing a run at the Super Bowl.Players didn’t pad up on day one but were eager to be back on the field, participating in position-based drills and a short 11-on-11 scrimmage. The excitement is in large part because of the moves Tampa Bay made throughout the offseason.Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans signed contract extensions, while former Washington Huskie Jalen McMillan and 2025 first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka strengthened a deep wideout room.On the defensive end, career-Buccaneer and 14-year NFL veteran Lavonte David decided to stay with the team for another season. He said he made that choice with the postseason in mind, and knows what’s key to making it to the Super Bowl.“I think the confidence. The confidence knowing that we belong,” David said. “The past couple of seasons, always coming down to the wire to make the playoffs, and we do not want to be in that situation anymore. We have the team to dominate… when you have that mentality, it can get us there.”The Buccaneers are notably without starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who will miss all of training camp due to a knee injury. His return timeline is unknown.“This is not a murder mystery where we need to find out what happened,” said Head Coach Todd Bowles. “It’s about him getting better. He’s in great spirits.”Tampa Bay recently held a workout for offensive tackle George Fant, who’s a free agent after playing for the Seattle Seahawks last year, but Bowles said Charlie Heck will likely step in and take over until Wirfs returns. Offensive guard Cody Mauch likes how the group has meshed together.“Every single year we’ve been here, it’s such a great group of guys. It doesn’t really feel like you’re coming into work,” Mauch said. “I wouldn’t want to play with anybody else than these o-linemen.”Tampa Bay was 10-7 last year and won the NFC South, but lost to the Washington Commanders in the first round of the playoffs. It was their fifth consecutive season making it to the postseason.Training camp will open up to fans starting tomorrow, and the team will begin practicing in full pads next week. The Buccaneers’ first preseason game will air on WESH 2 and is scheduled for August 9 against the Tennessee Titans.

TAMPA, Fla. —

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off training camp Wednesday morning, and the team is already eyeing a run at the Super Bowl.

Players didn’t pad up on day one but were eager to be back on the field, participating in position-based drills and a short 11-on-11 scrimmage. The excitement is in large part because of the moves Tampa Bay made throughout the offseason.

Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans signed contract extensions, while former Washington Huskie Jalen McMillan and 2025 first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka strengthened a deep wideout room.

On the defensive end, career-Buccaneer and 14-year NFL veteran Lavonte David decided to stay with the team for another season. He said he made that choice with the postseason in mind, and knows what’s key to making it to the Super Bowl.

“I think the confidence. The confidence knowing that we belong,” David said. “The past couple of seasons, always coming down to the wire to make the playoffs, and we do not want to be in that situation anymore. We have the team to dominate… when you have that mentality, it can get us there.”

The Buccaneers are notably without starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who will miss all of training camp due to a knee injury. His return timeline is unknown.

“This is not a murder mystery where we need to find out what happened,” said Head Coach Todd Bowles. “It’s about him getting better. He’s in great spirits.”

Tampa Bay recently held a workout for offensive tackle George Fant, who’s a free agent after playing for the Seattle Seahawks last year, but Bowles said Charlie Heck will likely step in and take over until Wirfs returns. Offensive guard Cody Mauch likes how the group has meshed together.

“Every single year we’ve been here, it’s such a great group of guys. It doesn’t really feel like you’re coming into work,” Mauch said. “I wouldn’t want to play with anybody else than these o-linemen.”

Tampa Bay was 10-7 last year and won the NFC South, but lost to the Washington Commanders in the first round of the playoffs. It was their fifth consecutive season making it to the postseason.

Training camp will open up to fans starting tomorrow, and the team will begin practicing in full pads next week. The Buccaneers’ first preseason game will air on WESH 2 and is scheduled for August 9 against the Tennessee Titans.