The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing 8-9 season, and they lost two franchise legends in Mike Evans and Lavonte David this offseason to make matters worse.
Much of the football world seems down on the Buccaneers heading into 2026, but ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky still believes Tampa Bay has the pieces to contend.
Dan Orlovsky names Buccaneers NFC Championship contenders
During an appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live, Orlovsky declared that he still views the Bucs as legitimate contenders.
"On paper, I think the Bucs are NFC Championship contenders."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 26, 2026
—@danorlovsky7 on the Buccaneers' potential 🏈 pic.twitter.com/fSGs5jw2JH
“On paper, I think the Bucs are NFC Championship contenders. I really do,” Orlovsky said. “I think offensively, very good offensive line, very good skill players, Baker is the best quarterback in the division.”
“They’ve put money and picks into this defensive line, and if Rueben Bain is who a lot of people going into the draft thought he was and obviously Tampa thought he was, then this defensive line should be reminiscent of the ones we’ve become accustomed to in Tampa.”
Orlovsky makes a fair argument. Despite some key losses this offseason, the Bucs still look like one of the more well-rounded teams in the NFC on paper.
The offensive line, when healthy, is one of the NFL’s best units. Baker Mayfield has shown throughout stretches over the last few seasons that he can play at an elite, MVP-caliber level.
Even after losing Evans, Tampa Bay still boasts an impressive wide receiver group featuring Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson and rookie Ted Hurst.
The weakest part of Tampa Bay’s defense in recent years has been the defensive front, and as Orlovsky pointed out, the team invested heavily to address that issue this offseason.
The Buccaneers signed Al-Quadin Muhammad after an 11-sack season in Detroit and drafted Rueben Bain Jr. to help further bolster the pass rush.
On the interior, the addition of A’Shawn Robinson will add size and bring a nastier, more physical presence to the defense.
Tampa Bay also addressed inside linebacker after David’s departure by signing Alex Anzalone and drafting Josiah Trotter in the second round.
The Buccaneers still have questions to answer heading into 2026, but the roster has more than enough talent to overcome the losses from this offseason.
If the team lives up to its potential, there is no reason Orlovsky’s prediction cannot become reality and Tampa Bay could find itself competing for a Super Bowl in 2026.
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