Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Preview: When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Tom Brady, there was no guarantee it would work out. A 43-year-old quarterback changing teams is uncharted territory, and Brady’s last season with the New England Patriots was not his best. However, the Buccaneers rolled the dice on the future Hall of Famer, and it paid off spectacularly. They won a Super Bowl in Brady’s first season and added two more division titles to their name. Now, with Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers face the challenge of transitioning to a new era with cappers closely analyzing the team with the help of the most recent NFL betting data.
The Cleanup from an Epic Party
After Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers find themselves with a massive dead cap space of $74.3 million this year, a result of past signings. The team was relatively quiet in free agency, and their solution for replacing Brady was signing Baker Mayfield to a one-year, $4 million deal. The team had limited resources to make a significant splash in the free-agent market, and with many star players from the Super Bowl team aging, they might consider selling at the trade deadline.
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht acknowledged that managing the cap was part of the plan when they signed Brady, and now they must face the consequences while attempting to remain competitive.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Preview: Roster Challenges and Expectations
Despite having top-end players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea, Devin White, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett, Carlton Davis III, Jamel Dean, and Antoine Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers struggled last season. They finished with an 8-9 record, barely staying afloat with a few close wins and benefiting from a weak NFC South. However, they were overmatched in the wild-card playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys, leading to significant changes in the coaching staff, including the departure of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
With Brady gone, the Buccaneers will try to get younger and less dependent on an aging roster. Their transition from the Super Bowl core to a new era might have some bumps along the way, but retaining key players and developing young talent is crucial for their future success.
Offseason Evaluation and Grade
The Buccaneers faced a significant challenge in addressing their quarterback problem post-Brady. They took a chance on Baker Mayfield, hoping he could regain his form from earlier in his career or follow the footsteps of his promising performances with the Los Angeles Rams last season. They also drafted offensive tackle Cody Mauch and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to bolster both lines.
The Buccaneers managed to retain cornerback Jamel Dean on a four-year, $52 million deal, a critical move to maintain stability in their secondary. However, they also had to let go of several veterans, which added to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s roster.
Overall, the Buccaneers’ offseason moves were limited due to their tight cap situation, and it remains to be seen how well they can navigate the challenges ahead.
A Bumpy Ride Ahead
The Buccaneers’ 2023 season is expected to be challenging. Transitioning from the Brady era, their offense might not reach the same level without the future Hall of Famer under center. Mayfield and Trask will have to step up and prove their capabilities in the post-Brady era.
Playing with a first-place schedule and facing an improved NFC South, the Buccaneers face a difficult path to success. However, the presence of star players on both sides of the ball, coupled with the potential for scheme changes, might give them a fighting chance to compete for another division title.
Coaching Staff Changes
Following their wild-card playoff loss to the Cowboys, the Buccaneers decided to shake up their coaching staff. Nine coaches, including offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, were let go. This move indicates that the team is looking for fresh ideas and a new direction in the post-Brady era. The changes will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s performance and approach in the upcoming season.
The Quarterback Conundrum
With Brady’s departure, the Buccaneers are faced with the challenge of finding a new starting quarterback. They took a calculated risk by signing Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal worth $4 million. Mayfield has shown glimpses of potential in the past, but he also faced struggles during his time with the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers are hoping that Mayfield can recapture his earlier form and lead the team effectively. Additionally, they have Kyle Trask, a 2021 second-round pick, as a potential option at quarterback.
The quarterback position will be one of the key storylines to watch during the season. Mayfield’s performance will be critical in determining the Buccaneers’ success in their first season after Brady’s retirement.
Ageing Star Players and the Need for Youth
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Preview: One of the challenges the Buccaneers face is the aging of some key players on their roster. Players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are star receivers, but they are not getting any younger. As the team looks to build for the future, they will need to find ways to complement their aging stars with young, emerging talent.
The Buccaneers have some promising young players, such as offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, defensive tackle Vita Vea, and linebacker Devin White. Building around these young stars will be essential for the team’s long-term success. The team’s ability to draft and develop young talent will be crucial in ensuring sustained competitiveness in the post-Brady era.
Navigating a Tough Schedule
The Buccaneers’ path to success will be further challenged by their schedule. As a result of winning their division last season, they will face a first-place schedule in 2023. This means they will be matched up against other first-place teams from the NFC, making their road to the playoffs even more difficult.
The NFC South, which includes teams like the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers, is expected to be competitive. The Buccaneers will have to put their best foot forward to secure the confidence of fans and bettors alike on the best NFL betting forums.
