Buccaneers’ 2025 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

Buccaneers’ 2025 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss0 of 3

Buccaneers head coach Todd BowlesBrooke Sutton/Getty Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht probably doesn’t get the credit that he deserves. Most expected the Buccaneers to fall off, dramatically, when Tom Brady retired two years ago. In many ways, however, Tampa has only gotten better since then.

Brady’s final season came with an 8-9 season, and Tampa has topped that mark in each of the last two years. This isn’t a perfect team by any means, but the Bucs found their quarterback in Baker Mayfield and straddled the line between retaining veterans and adding fresh talent.

During the Brady era, Tampa spent heavily to keep an aging roster together. Now, Licht has the flexibility to continue transforming the roster.

While the Buccaneers’ postseason has come to an end, there is little reason to believe that they won’t be right back in the divisional mix next season. Licht and head coach Todd Bowles have work to do, though. Here’s a look at what comes next for Tampa.

Free Agents1 of 3

Chris GodwinRich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Ben Bredeson

LB K.J. Britt

RB Chase Edmonds

S Mike Edwards

DL Williams Gholston

WR Chris Godwin

CB Bryce Hall

OT Robert Hainsey

LB Lavonte David

DT Greg Gaines

LB Anthony Nelson

G Royce Newman

G Iosua Opeta

WR Sterling Shepard

OT Justin Skule

CB Tavierre Thomas

QB Kyle Trask

Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

LB J.J. Russell

Licht has done an excellent job of turning over an aging, expensive roster while still keeping the Buccaneers competitive. Continuing to do so, however, will be a challenge.

Tampa has a number of notable contributors scheduled to hit the unrestricted market. Starters like guard Ben Bredeson, edge-rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, linebacker Lavonte David and wide receiver Chris Godwin are among them. All of them are logical candidates for new contracts, along with regular contributors like Anthony Nelson, William Gholston and K.J. Britt.

Godwin, of course, is coming off of a dislocated ankle injury that required surgery. The 28-year-old logged 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games before the injury, but his health in March could determine what the Buccaneers are willing to offer.

“Things are improving, and it is all about life’s little victories,” Godwin said in late November, per Brianna Dix of the team’s official website.

The challenge for Tampa lies in the fact that it only has $23.8 million in projected cap space. While there are franchises in much worse shape, financially, the Bucs are in the bottom third of the league in terms of cap flexibility and could struggle to match other teams’ offers for their top players.

Expect Licht to work on multiple extensions before the legal-contact window opens on March 10. Even then, though, keeping the roster together and targeting top players in free agency will be difficult.

Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets2 of 3

Raiders edge Malcolm KoonceRyan Kang/Getty Images

Licht did a good job of creating cap flexibility last offseason, which allowed Tampa to craft new deals with Mayfield, David, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Evans while adding a little depth in free agency.

While the Bucs probably won’t go big-name hunting in free agency this offseason, they’ll likely find ways to add a role player or two Reloading a defense that ranked 29th against the pass will likely be the top priority.

A high-end cornerback like Charvarius Ward or D.J. Reed would make a lot of sense if Tampa can find the cap space. Jonathan Jones and Stephon Gilmore could be viable targets on short-term deals.

The Bucs should also look to bolster their linebacker group, even if David is retained. Zack Baun and Nick Bolton figure to be top targets, though more budget-friendly options like Devin Bush and Kyzir White may be more realistic.

While Tampa may not be able to afford a coveted edge-rusher like Khalil Mack of DeMarcus Lawrence, it does need to strengthen the position. Malcolm Koonce, who missed all of 2024 with a knee injury but had eight sacks in 2023, should be on the team’s radar.

Offensively, the Bucs will be in the receiver market if Godwin doesn’t return. Coordinator Laim Coen did an excellent job of patching things together in 2024, but adding a pass-catcher would be advisable.

Should a young receiver on a rookie contract, like George Pickens or Quentin Johnston, become available, Licht should be interested in a trade. Complementary receivers like Elijah Moore and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine should draw interest on the open market.

Tampa may also seek an upgrade over Bredeson this offseason. Guards like Teven Jenkins and Mekhi Becton should interest the Buccaneers, though the rising cost of interior linemen may have them targeting the draft instead.

Expect Licht to target one or two starters at positions of need while value-shopping for depth ahead of the draft.

Draft Targets3 of 3

Georgia LB Jalon WalkerCFP/Getty Images

The Buccaneers landed a few important contributors in the 2024 draft, including starting center Graham Barton, running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who has come on late in the season.

Licht largely drafted for need last April, and we can expect a similar approach this year, given Tampa’s open playoff window. Edge-rusher, cornerback and guard are all positions Tampa will consider in Round 1.

Expect prospects like Notre Dame corner Benjamin Morrison, Marshall edge Mike Green and Alabama interior lineman Tyler Booker, to draw significant interest in the coming months. A versatile, playmaking linebacker could also be on Tampa’s radar, given the makeup of the team’s impending free agent group.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department paired Tampa with Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker in its post-regular season mock draft.

“Lavonte David and K.J. Britt are impending free agents, as is outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and the Bucs need pass-rush help regardless,” Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department said. “So, the opportunity to invest a first-round pick on a defender who has experience as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge like Walker does makes a lot of sense.”

With Evans and the ascending McMillan on the roster, Tampa probably won’t draft a receiver in Round 1. If Godiwin doesn’t return, however, the Bucs will probably target a wideout sooner than later.

Texas’ Isaiah Bond, Utah State’s Jalen Royals, Miami’s Xavier Restrepo and Texas’ Matthew Golden are among intriguing receiver prospects Tampa might be able to land on Day 2.

The Buccaneers are projected to have six total draft selections, with no sixth-round pick and one selection in each other round. Don’t be surprised if Licht packages a couple of late picks to move around the board early and target players he believes can contribute right away.

*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon