The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to repeat as NFC South champions for the fifth straight season in 2025, while extending their postseason run to six consecutive appearances.

After an impressive 2025 NFL Draft, general manager Jason Licht has the team poised for another division title as the team heads into rookie minicamp this weekend with their new draftees under contract.

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While most consider the Atlanta Falcons to be the Bucs’ biggest threat to a South title, the Carolina Panthers should not be slept on.

Quarterback Bryce Young is entering his third season in the league, and after a rocky rookie campaign, finally showed us flashes with an impressive second season, his first with former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales as head coach.

The Panthers continue to make changes to their roster, post-draft.

After announcing running back Jonathan Brooks will miss all of 2025 on the physically unable to perform list, the team released veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney after just one season in Carolina.

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The journeyman defender signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Panthers last offseason and notched 46 total tackles with 24 solo and nine for loss, 5.5 sacks, 11 QB hits and four passes defended.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2014 now becomes one of the top free agent pass rushers available in free agency.

After spending five seasons with the Texans, Clowney has played for five teams over the past six seasons, spending more than one year with just one.

Clowney spent 2019 in Seattle before moving on to the Titans in 2020. He played two seasons with the Browns in 2021-22, then signed with the Ravens for 2023 and the Panthers in 2024.

Related: Buccaneers Dynamic Duo Ranks As Best in NFL

Related: Analyst Details One Key Need For Buccaneers on Defense