Preseason Updates: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Footballguys staff gives you all the preseason tidbits from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hutchinson Brown's Preseason Updates: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hutchinson Brown Published 08/11/2026

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Dave Kluge, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

Updates from Week 1

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Baker Mayfield is entering training camp under a cloud of contract uncertainty, having failed to sign a long-term extension before his self-imposed camp deadline. Mayfield, who voiced displeasure over the lack of a new deal and described the situation as "very disappointing," is still firmly on the field taking first-team reps. HC Todd Bowles made clear the team is focused on football, stating, "We're not going to make this training camp about Baker from a team standpoint... he's expecting to have a great season." Mayfield remains the unquestioned starter as he plays out the final year of his deal. Behind him, veteran Jake Browning and young backups Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak will compete for depth roles on the 53-man roster, but Mayfield's mindset and status as QB1 remain unchanged.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

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Third-year breakout candidate Bucky Irving headlines Tampa Bay's backfield alongside Sean Tucker and offseason addition Kenny Gainwell. Irving is a "full go" after tending to a shoulder injury this offseason, according to Scott Smith of NFL.com. Irving continues to establish himself as the primary driver of the running game following a strong surge in his development, with his playmaking ability out of the backfield a central focal point for the offense. Gainwell brings solid pass-catching depth and third-down versatility, while Tucker provides explosive upside in reserve. Rookies Kadarius Calloway and Josh Williams are competing for reps at the back of the depth chart. Irving remains poised to dominate the primary workload.

Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers

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