NFL · NFC South · Est. 1976 · Raymond James Stadium
Updated March 17, 2026
The Buccaneers' bid for a third straight NFC South title came to a crushing end as the 8-9 Panthers claimed the division crown. Tampa Bay was on the outside looking in when the playoff field was set, a stunning fall for a team that had owned the division in recent years. The NFC South's overall weakness made the missed opportunity even more painful.
After two strong seasons in Tampa, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers' offense took a step back in 2025. Inconsistency plagued the passing game, and the team could not sustain the level of play that had made them division champions. Mayfield remains the starter heading into 2026, but the front office must find ways to reignite an attack that went cold at the worst times.
Missing the playoffs in a division won by a sub-.500 team puts real heat on Todd Bowles entering 2026. The Buccaneers have enough talent to compete, but the coaching staff must figure out why this team regressed so sharply. With Mike Evans nearing the end of his career and the roster's championship window narrowing, Tampa Bay cannot afford another wasted season.