4 Buccaneers who still have to prove themselves in 2018

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with head coach Dirk Koetter during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with head coach Dirk Koetter during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 14: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Brooks Reed #50 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 14: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Brooks Reed #50 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

With the possibility of new contracts on the horizon, four Tampa Bay Buccaneers players need to finish their seasons strong if they want to remain with the organization.

It’s not easy for most Buccaneers fans to admit, but it’s time to look towards the future. At 3-6, the hopes of making the playoffs are dwindling.

With a historically bad defense and mediocre quarterback play of late, it is hard to imagine Tampa Bay making a run.

However, that doesn’t mean the players are going to take the rest of the season off. They are playing for their jobs. A handful of Bucs players are trying to earn a long-term extension for an enormous amount of money.

The expectations are that Tampa Bay will be making wholesale changes this offseason. The feelings around the fan base indicate a potential head coaching change and major roster shuffle. The “win-now” Buccaneers are three games below .500 and are nowhere near resembling a championship roster.

Some of the players who are looking for big paydays come the spring have struggled in 2018. These players need to prove that they are worthy of a new contract. There is plenty of time left to show that they should be a part of the organization’s future.

From high-profile draft picks to veterans, players who are about to hit the market need to step up.