Buccaneers Getting Attention As Genuine NFC Contender

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have struggled to be taken seriously as NFC contenders for the past two seasons, despite making the playoffs under Baker Mayfield.

But now, maybe people are standing up and paying attention to what Todd Bowles is building with the offense as the centerpiece.

Baker Mayfield leads a well-rounded offense with a host of stud receivers, a good run game led by Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, and a solid offensive line.

For NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, who was at a recent Buccaneers OTA practice, when talking about contenders in the NFC, he thinks you have to mention Tampa Bay.

"They've won the division under Todd Bowles four years in a row, I believe it's going to be five," Baldinger said. "I believe this is a team that can compete in the NFC. There's Philly, the Rams, Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, there's good teams in the NFC, you can't talk about the NFC and who might come out of it this year, including Washington, and not talk about Tampa Bay."

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) greets Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6).

© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

There is no denying the Buccaneers have the roster to compete, as they did last year, but the injury bug sank its teeth into the roster, leaving Bowles with a huge mountain to climb.

And it was one he did, leading the team to the playoffs before being bounced by the Washington Commanders. 

Now, with Emeka Egbuka as another receiving option, Haason Reddick to bolster the pass rush, and Benjamin Morris and Jacob Parrish to solidify the corner position, the Buccaneers have a roster capable of making noise in 2025.

And for Baldinger, that noise will be deafening.