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The biggest concern the Buccaneers face from every NFC South rival

The NFC South vastly improved this offseason, and the Buccaneers will have their hands with these key players on divisional rivals.
ByJosh Crysler|
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Falcons TE Kyle Pitts has given the Buccaneers fits over the years.
Falcons TE Kyle Pitts has given the Buccaneers fits over the years. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers snapped their four-year streak of winning the NFC South. 

They’re looking to reclaim the division title in 2026, but they’ll be competing in a much-improved NFC South full of young, promising teams. 

Certain key players in the division will be serious thorns in the Bucs’ sides, and Tampa Bay will have to be prepared to slow them down in their crucial rivalry matchups. 

Biggest matchup nightmares Bucs must deal with against NFC South rivals

Carolina Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan

In two games against the Buccaneers during his rookie season, Tetairoa McMillan caught 10 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.

Heading into his second year, McMillan is the clear No. 1 target in Carolina, and could be primed for a breakout. 

At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, McMillan is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen. The Bucs’ cornerback situation remains a question mark, and the young defensive backs can’t let McMillan embarrass them as Tampa Bay looks to snatch the division crown back from the Panthers. 

Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Pitts

It would be easy to choose Drake London or Bijan Robinson here, but it’s actually Kyle Pitts who’s given the Buccaneers the most fits.

Last season, Pitts had the best game of his career with 11 catches, 166 yards, and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay.

Back in 2024, he had another strong showing against the Bucs with four catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. 

Pitts seems to play his best football against Tampa Bay, always finding a way to exploit their defense. This time around, the Bucs need to solve that problem and prevent Pitts from having another career performance.

New Orleans Saints - Travis Etienne 

Travis Etienne has been a dynamic playmaker over the years, eclipsing 1,300 scrimmage yards in three of his four NFL seasons. 

He’s effective in the pass game and the run game, and as New Orleans’ prize addition of the offseason, they’ll prioritize giving him a feature role in the offense in 2026. 

In their two matchups, Tampa Bay can’t allow Etienne to take over the game.

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