It’s been a forgettable season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially after the bye week. What once looked like a promising 6–2 start has collapsed into a 7–8 record, with injuries and inconsistent play derailing an otherwise talented roster.
Despite the struggles, a handful of players have performed at a high level and are deserving of national recognition.
Only two Buccaneers earned Pro Bowl nods, while several other deserving names were left on the outside looking in.
Buccaneers' Pro Bowl selections
The two Buccaneers who were named to the Pro Bowl are Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr.. The news reflects positively on Jason Licht's 2020 draft class, as Wirfs and Winfield were Tampa Bay's first and second-round selections.
Introducing Tampa Bay's 2026 Pro Bowlers 👏 pic.twitter.com/JIxoBCMnAA
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 23, 2025
For Wirfs, it his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection as he continues to build a Hall of Fame resume early in his career. He earns the honor despite missing the first few weeks of the season as he worked his way back from a knee surgery he had in the offseason. Wirfs has been incredible since his return to action, currently grading as PFF's No. 2 offensive tackle this season.
For Winfield, it is second time being named a Pro Bowler. Winfield has recorded 83 total tackles including 50 solo tackles, 7 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble and recovery. He is the clutchest player on the team, showing up for Tampa Bay when it matters most.
He had a game-saving PBU against the Falcons in the final minute of the season opener and also had a clutch interception against the Cardinals in Week 13 that made the difference in a three-point Bucs win.
Several other Bucs have had impressive seasons, and it is a shame to see them left out of this year's Pro Bowl.
Buccaneers' Pro Bowl snubs
K Chase McLaughlin
McLaughlin has arguably been the Bucs' MVP this season. He is historically efficient from long distance as the most accurate kicker (88%) from 50+ yards in NFL history. He is also the first kicker in NFL history to make 11 consecutive field goals from beyond 50 yards.
He drilled a 65-yard field goal in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, which stands as the longest outdoor field goal in NFL history.
His season has been nothing short of incredible, and he is the most glaring Bucs' snub from the Pro Bowl.
CB Jamel Dean
Dean is having the best season of his career in 2025. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, his career year comes just as he is set to enter free agency following the season, but that's beside the point.
Dean currently grades as the No. 3 cornerback in the entire NFL, per PFF. He has set a new career high with 3 interceptions and also leads all cornerbacks with 2 forced fumbles.
He has been sticky in coverage, as his 48% completion percentage allowed ranks No. 9 among cornerbacks, and his 51.8 passer rating allowed when target ranks No. 5 among cornerbacks.
He was named as a Pro Bowl alternate along with quarterback Baker Mayfield, so he got some national recognition, but in what is likely his final season in red and pewter, Dean deserved to earn his first career Pro Bowl nod.
S Tykee Smith
After serving as the starting nickel cornerback in his rookie season, Smith has made a smooth transition to safety in his sophomore campaign. He's been the team's best, most reliable player on defense. In fact, there's a legitimate argument that he's more deserving of a Pro Bowl nod than Winfield.
Smith has recorded 94 total tackles including 56 solo tackles, 2 sacks, an interception, and 2 fumble recoveries. He also has a team-leading 13 passes defensed. Smith currently grades as the NFL's No. 11 safety out of 99 qualifying players, per PFF. He has been the Bucs' breakout player on defense, and it's a shame he won't be rewarded with a Pro Bowl appearance.