The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are aiming to reclaim the NFC South title after their four-year streak as division champions was snapped by the Carolina Panthers in 2025.
The entire division made significant improvements this offseason, and the NFC South is shaping up to be the most competitive it’s been in years.
But the Buccaneers still hold one key advantage that should have them penciled in as the favorites entering the 2026 season.
Baker Mayfield is the best quarterback in the NFC South
The most important position on the football field is quarterback. An elite signal-caller can elevate an entire roster, while inconsistent play can hold even the most talented teams back.
The NFC South now features improved rosters across the board, but also some of the most uncertain quarterback situations in the league.
The Atlanta Falcons, for example, may have the division’s most complete supporting cast on offense. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, along with a strong offensive line and a capable defense to boot, the pieces are in place.
But their ceiling will ultimately depend on quarterback play, with Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa currently competing for the job. Until stability is established under center, Atlanta is doomed for mediocrity.Â
The Carolina Panthers may have had the best offseason in the division, if not the entire league. With additions like Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, plus an emerging young core at receiver, Carolina is trending upward.Â
But Bryce Young is still searching for consistent high-level play after an up-and-down start to his career. He’s shown flashes, but needs to put it all together for an entire season before the Panthers can be taken seriously as contenders,
The New Orleans Saints also made some big moves, building out an impressive offensive roster. With Travis Etienne joining the backfield and rookie Jordyn Tyson pairing with All-Pro Chris Olave, the weapons are there. Their offensive line is solid, and the defense remains competitive, including a top 10 passing defense a year ago.
However, Tyler Shough has only a limited NFL sample size with 11 games under his belt, and questions remain about whether he can sustain success over a full season.
That’s where Tampa Bay separates from their rivals.
Baker Mayfield is the most proven and experienced quarterback in the division. He’s the only quarterback in the NFC South with a playoff win, and even in a down year last season, he performed better than all of his divisional counterparts.
If Mayfield returns to the level he has shown he’s capable of consistently, the Buccaneers’ combination of proven quarterback play and an improved roster puts them in prime position to regain control of the division.
If the NFC South is going to come down to quarterback play, Mayfield has the Bucs firmly in the driver's seat entering 2026.Â
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