Entering 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had won five consecutive NFC South titles. They enjoyed a successful run as a perennial playoff team, but that streak came to a close after a disappointing 8–9 season in 2025. Now, it all seems to be crashing down on the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay has had a disappointing start to the offseason, to say the least. The biggest headline has been the loss of franchise icon wide receiver Mike Evans after 12 seasons. In a telling indictment against the organization, Evans seemingly lost belief in the direction of the franchise and bolted for the 49ers, where he has a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
The Bucs also swung and missed in pursuit of Trey Hendrickson, who would have served as a major upgrade for the team’s lousy pass rush. While the Buccaneers have failed to add any impact players in free agency, they’ve watched the rest of the NFC South make massive improvements. The arrow is pointing down in Tampa Bay while pointing up for their rivals, and it sure seems like the Buccaneers could be in for a long 2026 season.
Buccaneers stand pat while Saints and Panthers go all-in on NFC South race
After snatching the division crown from the Buccaneers last season, the Carolina Panthers are operating like a franchise with no intention of giving back the throne. They added standout pass rusher Jaelan Phillips on a massive four-year, $120 million deal and also signed free agency’s top linebacker, Devin Lloyd, to a three-year, $45 million contract. By adding one of the best edge rushers and the top inside linebacker on the market, the Panthers have completely revamped their defense heading into 2026.
While the Panthers continue to build an impressive roster, the New Orleans Saints are similarly bolstering both sides of the ball. On offense, New Orleans signed standout running back Travis Etienne Jr. away from the Jaguars. Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns last season while adding 36 receptions for 292 yards and six more scores.
The Saints also improved the offensive line by signing former Bills starting guard David Edwards to a four-year deal. Lastly, they added tight end Noah Fant, who brings value as both a receiving threat and an effective run blocker.
On the defensive side of the ball, they brought back linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year deal. After being drafted by the Saints and beginning his career in New Orleans, Elliss left to join the rival Falcons but is now back home with the Saints. Ironically, Elliss would have been an ideal fit for the Bucs’ defense, so seeing him return to New Orleans instead is another tough development for Tampa Bay.
With the up-and-coming Panthers and Saints taking significant steps forward while Tampa Bay has remained stagnant, and arguably even taken a step back, the Buccaneers appear to be losing ground in the NFC South. Jason Licht and the front office need to find impact players through the rest of free agency and nail the upcoming draft class, or it could be a long time before the Buccaneers reclaim the division.