The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing decisions regarding 18 free agents, evenly split with nine from the offensive unit and nine from the defensive squad.
Mike Evans, widely regarded as the most outstanding wide receiver in the team’s history, stands out among the offensive players.
Evans, slated to turn 33 by the start of Week 1, has committed to playing professional football in 2026, though his destination remains undetermined.
For him and the other 17 teammates entering free agency in 2025, the critical question revolves around whether their future lies with the Buccaneers or with another organization.
Below is an analysis of Tampa’s nine offensive free agents, categorized into those expected to remain, those likely to depart, and those whose status is uncertain.
We will begin with the group whose future is undecided.
Uncertain Futures
Teddy Bridgewater
Retaining Bridgewater appears logical for the Buccaneers. At 33 years old, he’s not in his prime but remains effective, as evidenced by his securing the backup quarterback position over Kyle Trask during the last training camp. The Buccaneers would likely prefer not to rely on an unproven player like Connor Bazelak as their primary backup if Baker Mayfield were to be unavailable in 2026. Among the available free-agent backup quarterbacks—such as Jimmy Garoppolo, Mitchell Trubisky, and Kenny Pickett—Bridgewater generally offers a superior option, or at least a more cost-effective one compared to a player like Kirk Cousins.
However, the Buccaneers’ ability to retain Bridgewater hinges on his willingness to continue playing. Given his previous retirement, his commitment to play isn’t assured. Therefore, his situation remains ambiguous until Bridgewater makes a definitive decision about his playing career.
Expected to Remain
Mike Evans
Despite the Buccaneers possessing younger wide receiver alternatives and facing more critical needs, particularly on defense, Mike Evans presents a unique case. As long as the most accomplished receiver in franchise history continues to contribute significantly—which he demonstrably did with over 1,000 receiving yards in his most recent full season (2024)—it seems highly improbable that Tampa Bay would fail to prioritize his retention.
The team’s operational philosophy was evident when Chris Godwin, another experienced receiver, received a long-term contract extension in 2024, even while recovering from a severe ankle injury. This indicates a precedent for retaining key veteran talent.
Many will find it difficult to accept the idea of Evans playing for another team until it actually occurs.
Cade Otton
Otton’s situation is complex. Sportrac estimates his market value at $23.7 million over three years. Given the Buccaneers’ anticipated financial commitment to Evans and the necessity of allocating funds to improve a defense ranked in the lower half of the league, retaining Otton could be challenging.
However, the likelihood of the Buccaneers securing a superior tight end at a lower cost in the free-agent market is low. With a wealth of existing pass-catching options, the team might not feel compelled to draft a tight end in a round where they could select an immediate contributor.
Considering General Manager Jason Licht’s history of securing talent developed within the organization, Otton has a strong chance of remaining with the Buccaneers.
Ko Kieft
Although this tight end has not recorded a reception since 2023, his proficiency in blocking and strong performance on special teams, combined with his availability for a modest contract due to a season-ending injury, make him a low-risk retention for the Buccaneers.
Anticipated Departures
Dan Feeney, Charlie Heck, Michael Jordan
Among 81 guards evaluated, Pro Football Focus assigned Feeney a rank of 62nd and Jordan a rank of 74th.
For tackles, Heck was rated 86th out of 89 players by PFF, with his performance issues even drawing criticism from Buccaneers icon Ronde Barber.
While PFF evaluations are not definitive, the Buccaneers’ offensive line visibly struggled due to the absences of Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedke, and Cody Mauch at various times throughout the season. This suggests the team will likely seek to bolster its offensive line depth via free agency or later rounds of the draft.
Sterling Shepard
Given the probable return of Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and potentially Evans, there appears to be no roster spot for Shepard. Sportrac estimates Shepard’s market value at $3.13 million for a single season, funds which the Buccaneers could allocate to other areas of need.
Rachaad White
White has experienced a respectable tenure in Tampa, notably achieving nearly 1,000 rushing yards in 2023. However, his previous communication, resembling a departure statement, strongly suggests he falls into the category of players likely to move on.
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