Over the past two months, the NFL has witnessed several league-altering signings, trades, and transactions through free agency and the draft. On Saturday, the draft concluded after three action-packed days of picks, and now we’ve reached the first true lull in the offseason.
With around $45 million in salary cap space and seven picks in the draft, the Buccaneers utilized the past two months to their advantage, adding a multitude of players to their roster. From re-signing their three most important free agents to adding young talent on both ends of the football, Tampa Bay has set them up for success in the 2024 season.
That said, the Buccaneers' offense will start the season with several standouts from last season's roster, but also includes new players acquired from free agency and the draft. Ranging from quarterback to the offensive line, here are the projected depth charts at every offensive position for next season.
Buccaneers Depth Chart: Quarterback
QB1 | QB2 | QB3 | QB4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Baker Mayfield | Kyle Trask | John Wolford | Zack Annexstead |
Following a phenomenal first season in Tampa, Baker Mayfield is set to return as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback in 2024. Mayfield, who threw for 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and ten interceptions on 64.3% completion and was the NFL's 2024 Most Improved Player, signed a three-year, $105 million contract extension to remain a Buccaneer through the 2027 season.
Outside of Mayfield, however, the Buccaneers' quarterback room leaves a lot to be desired, with Kyle Trask and John Wolford returning as the second and third-string quarterbacks. Trask and Wolford have collectively made ten starts throughout their careers, and have thrown one combined touchdown in the NFL.
With that said, Tampa Bay was expected to add another decent quarterback to back Mayfield up, either through free agency or the draft. In free agency, the Buccaneers remained stagnant after re-signing, even with upwards of $45 million in salary cap space.
In the 2024 NFL draft, Tampa Bay missed out on selecting Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh round, who would've been an excellent addition to sit and learn behind Mayfield. Instead, the Buccaneers drafted Illinois State quarterback Zach Annexstad, who was an FCS Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star after throwing for 2111 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine starts in 2023.
Buccaneers Depth Chart: Running Backs
RB1 | RB2 | RB3 | RB4 | RB5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rachaad White | Bucky Irving | Chase Edmonds | Sean Tucker | Patrick Laird |
Last season, the Buccaneers used 2022 third-round pick Rachaad White as the team's primary back, and found season-long success in the former Sun Devil. Starting in all 17 games, White recorded 272 carries for 990 yards, six touchdowns, and 3.6 yards per carry, while catching 64 passes for 549 yards, three touchdowns, and 8.6 yards per reception.
Even so, Tampa Bay added Oregon running back Bucky Irving in the fourth round to their backfield, a two-time All-Pac-12 First Team Selection who is one of the most elusive and athletically gifted backs in his draft class. In two seasons as a Duck, Irving recorded 186 carries, 2,238 rushing yards, and 21 touchdowns on the ground, while catching 87 passes for 712 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air in 27 starts.
Past White and Irving, Tampa Bay will have Chase Edmonds and Sean Tucker return for the 2024 season as change-of-pace and depth running backs, and signed fullback Patrick Laird in free agency. Ultimately, White and Irving will take most of the snaps and will be utilized the most, and will be key in improving the Buccaneers' league-worst rushing offense from a season ago.