Feb. 16, 2026, 3:18 p.m. ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missing the playoffs following a 5-1 start to the season was not on their bingo card, or the card of fans. As a result, folks will have some anger heading into 2026, and they want to see change, but instead, the team is looking to heal up and see how things go.
However, with so many questions on the defense as a whole and around the roster remaining, can the Bucs actually return to the playoffs? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler discussed every team that missed the playoffs, including the Bucs, and offered suggestions on why they will or won’t make the playoffs in 2026.
For the argument that they can’t return to the playoffs, it all starts with the aforementioned defense.
Fowler writes, “Tampa Bay falls somewhere between contention and the need for a mini rebuild. The Bucs need to address their defense this offseason. The group needs talent improvements at all three levels, most notably pass rusher. This would be as good an offseason as any to take some chances to acquire quality defensive players.”
Depending on how aggressive they want to be, they have some highly talented options to consider to improve the unit. Via trade, the king’s ransom they would pay to acquire Maxx Crosby would be worth it. Meanwhile, veterans like Trey Hendrickson and Bradley Chubb are on the market and could sign for cheap to improve their edge-rushing unit.
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One way or another, there are options, and there are no excuses for general manager Jason Licht.