The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
Impact players can be found at every position, giving Tampa Bay the pieces to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign and return to the postseason after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Some key players stand out above others, serving as the foundation to the Buccaneers’ success. With that in mind, I ranked the 10 best players on the roster entering the 2026 season, along with some honorable mentions.Â
10 best players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster
HM: Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving regressed last year as he battled injuries and had to run behind a makeshift offensive line, but let’s not forget his rookie season in which he rushed for 1,122 yards on 5.4 yards per carry and added 392 receiving yards.
He’s a dynamic threat both in the running game and the passing game. A fully-healthy Irving could allow him to return to his rookie form and once again emerge as one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs.Â
HM: Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey has the potential to be a top five player on the Buccaneers. He just needs to find a way to stay healthy so he can live up to his potential.
Kancey has played in just 29 out of a possible 51 games in his career. There's times where he legitimately looks like the most disruptive player on the field for Tampa Bay's defense, but he hasn't been on the field enough to cement himself as an elite player.
HM: Emeka EgbukaÂ
Emeka Egbuka had a legitimate argument for the No. 10 spot, but Chris Godwin Jr. got the nod due to his proven experience.
Still, Egbuka had an impressive rookie season with 63 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns that can’t go unrecognized.
His play declined a bit down the stretch, but entering year two and finally settling into a permanent role as the full-time Z receiver, Egbuka could easily become Baker Mayfield’s No. 1 target in 2026.Â
10. Chris Godwin Jr.
Chris Godwin isn’t the player he once was due to a combination of age and injuries, but he’s the most proven wide receiver in Tampa Bay.Â
He’s eclipsed 1,000 yards four times in his career, and was on pace for a career year back in 2024 before suffering a devastating season-ending ankle injury.Â
He spent much of last season shaking the rust off and returning to form after that injury, but he proved vintage Godwin is still in there, catching 7 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 against the Dolphins.Â
The Bucs will be counting on that version of Godwin to show up in 2026, as the team is relying on his production following the departure of Mike Evans.Â
9. Yaya Diaby
Diaby hasn’t broken through as an elite pass rusher just yet, but he’s been a strong force off the edge that makes an impact against both the pass and run.Â
He’s led the Bucs in sacks in two of his three pro seasons, recording 19 in his career. With Tampa Bay’s major investment in the defensive front this offseason, Diaby finally has the supporting cast he needs to take the next step.Â
8. Cody MauchÂ
Cody Mauch was just starting to separate himself as one of the NFL’s best guards before a season-ending injury in Week 2 derailed his 2025 campaign.Â
In 2024, Mauch ranked as PFF’s No. 14 guard, and finished No. 6 in pass blocking. If he can stay healthy, he has all of the tools to develop even further and become a universally-regarded top 10 guard in the NFL.Â
The Buccaneers truly missed his presence last season, both in the pass game and the run game, and life will be much easier for the offense with him back in the fold.
7. Luke Goedeke
Luke Goedeke has quickly emerged as a cornerstone for the Buccaneers, holding down the right side of the offensive line in impressive fashion.
The biggest concern for Goedeke is his ability to stay on the field, because the team misses him when he’s on the sideline. Goedeke missed six games last season and four games back in 2024.
But despite missing some time with a foot injury, Goedeke had his best season in 2025. He didn’t allow a single sack or QB hit through 11 games.Â
A full season of dominance will allow this Bucs offense to reach its potential, and for Goedeke to cement himself as one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles.
6. Tykee Smith
Tykee Smith showed signs of elite potential last season, and it was only his first year playing safety full-time.Â
Smith especially shined near the line of scrimmage and as a blitzer, totaling 100 tackles along with two sacks, two interceptions and 13 passes defensed.
Todd Bowles said that Smith was his best defensive player last season until suffering a significant shoulder injury that affected him late in the season. If Smith can remain healthy, his second season at strong safety could be a truly special one.
5. Chase McLaughlin
Kickers are one of the most overlooked positions in football, but not in Tampa Bay. The Bucs have had such a bad history with kickers, that when one as great as Chase “Money” McLaughlin walks through the door, we won’t forget to give him his flowers.
He made his first 11 attempts from 50+ yards last season, setting a new NFL record. He remains one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history from long distance.
He’s made 91% of his field goals with the Buccaneers and is one of the most reliable players on the roster, and he shouldn't be taken for granted.
4. Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has played a solid three seasons in Tampa Bay, and while the second half of last season was disappointing, that doesn’t erase all of the great moments Mayfield has delivered as the leader of this team.Â
He led four game-winning drives through the first five weeks last season. He made something out of nothing countless times, breaking free from sacks and making big-time plays in crucial moments.
He often put the team on his back, playing through injuries of his own while also overcoming injuries to his offensive line and wide receivers. Mayfield is the surefire franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers.Â
3. Vita VeaÂ
Vita Vea does the dirty work for the Buccaneers defensive unit. He swallows double teams and spearheads Tampa Bay’s dominant run defense.
The Bucs have boasted a top five rushing defense in six of Vea’s eight pro seasons. He’s the anchor of the defensive line, and Todd Bowles’ defense wouldn’t be nearly the same without him.
2. Antoine Winfield Jr.Â
Antoine Winfield Jr. didn’t have his best season in 2025, but he remains one of the best players on the Bucs roster.
Throughout his career, he’s always made a big play just when the Bucs need it most. That started in his rookie year, when he forced a key fumble in the playoffs against the Saints that changed the momentum and led to a Bucs win en route to a Super Bowl.Â
He did it again last year in Week 1 against the Falcons, flying in for a miraculous pass breakup to save Tampa Bay from disaster in the final minute. He’s the team’s clutchest, most high-impact player, and he’s earned his spot among the Bucs’ best players.
1. Tristan Wirfs
Tristan Wirfs is not only the Buccaneers’ best player, he’s one of the best players in the NFL overall.
His elite protection and run-blocking ability has put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and most teams would kill to have Wirfs anchoring their offensive line.
The Bucs should count their blessings for every second they have Wirfs lining up for them.
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