The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced their 2026 team captains. One player stands out given his limited time with the team, but this year, they are leaning heavily on his experience.
Lavonte David and Mike Evans are both gone. Their departures left the Bucs with two less-proven leaders whom other players can emulate. It's a new era of Buccaneers football, and it shows in the names of the players who will wear the "C" on their chests.
Alex Anzalone signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent. His motor is non-stop, and he is one of the toughest linebackers in the league. His play on the field is much like the expectations of his former Lions head coach, Dan Campbell. Through OTAs, training camp, and preseason, Anzalone has already earned the respect of his teammates.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers suprise no one with their choice of team captains
Krewe, meet your 2026 captains 👏 pic.twitter.com/1fE6d83JZV
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2026
As expected, Tampa will rely on the guys who have been here the longest. WR Chris Godwin may take a step back in 2026, but his voice will echo through the WR unit and on the offense.
No one is surprised that Baker Mayfield carries the "C." Mayfield is the vocal leader of the entire team. He controls the offense, sets up the defense, and holds himself to a standard that other players can look up to.
- Alex Anzalone
- Chris Godwin
- Baker Mayfield
- Vita Vea
- Antoine Winfield, Jr.
- Tristan Wirfs
Being a captain isn't just about wearing a letter on your jersey. It's about accountability. The players' votes have set these players up to a higher standard; they have chosen them to represent the team, and that leadership is a quality that only a handful of players ever earn.
Of the six players, Anzalone is one of the more impressive. He took his opportunity to the task and worked hard to give his teammates someone to count on. According to the Buccaneers, Anzalone had his sights set on earning the "green-dot" for his helmet.
Bowles says Alex Anzalone has wanted the green dot since he came in and he’s gotten it. His communication with the rest of the defense has been outstanding and he’s earned a lot of respect from his teammates.
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) September 7, 2026
Mayfield has been a captain each of his four seasons with the Buccaneers, but this year could be special. The Bucs' QB is out to make a statement. After not getting an extension this offseason, the quarterback is going to shoulder a larger load of responsibility, but if he succeeds, the Buccaneers will have no choice but to pay him.
Regardless of how the Buccaneers play, the eyes of the team will be on the quarterback, and the younger players will watch how he handles the adversity of the contract problems with the drive to build a winning offense.
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