​The Tampa Bay Buccaneers understand they must elevate their play in 2026. After a promising start last season, they began 6-3 and looked like potential Super Bowl contenders, especially with the weak NFC South in reach. However, they collapsed to finish 8-9 and failed to win a division with no team posting a winning record. That downturn has raised the stakes for 2026, and questions about coach Todd Bowles’ future could intensify if the Bucs don’t win the South again. So what needs to change for Tampa to avoid that outcome? It begins with the quarterback. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan and many others believe the key is Baker Mayfield performing at a high level, but he’ll have to navigate the loss of Mike Evans, the franchise’s greatest receiver. Fortunately, Mayfield still has several targets. Tez Johnson is hoping to build on a surprising rookie season, Jalen McMillan is eyeing a full year of production, and Chris Godwin, in his 10th season, remains a veteran presence in the receiving room. Tampa also added to the group with third-round pick Ted Hurst from Georgia State. Sullivan specifically highlighted Emeka Egbuka, Tampa’s 2025 first-round pick who emerged as the team’s leading receiver, finishing with 938 yards and six touchdowns on 63 catches and is expected to make a “Year 2 leap for the ages” if the Bucs are to maximize their potential. While a subjective measure, a stronger Egbuka would likely translate into more wins for Tampa. On the defensive side, Sullivan pointed to the top two draft selections as players who could contribute immediately in Year 1. With Lavonte David retiring after a 14-year run with the team, the Buccaneers need a new leadership figure on defense. They’re hoping first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. can fill that role, but even if Bain thrives, a replacement for David’s inside linebacker spot is necessary, a need Tampa addressed by selecting Missouri’s Josiah Trotter in the second round. All of these moves, Sullivan argues, could help the Bucs reclaim the NFC South and return to the playoffs.