The quarterback position is always the center of attention, and for the Bucs, it has been no different this offseason. With Tom Brady retired, the team turned to Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask as their primary options. Baker Mayfield brings experience and a fiery mentality that Bowles appreciates, while Trask, the former second-round pick, has shown flashes of potential in limited opportunities. The question is not whether both quarterbacks make the roster—they likely will—but whether the team considers adding a third signal-caller for depth. Some speculate that the Bucs could bring in a veteran backup if one becomes available after cuts around the league. However, the smart money says Bowles will roll with Mayfield and Trask, leaving room for extra depth at other positions. This scenario places even more importance on the offensive system’s flexibility and how confident the coaching staff is in Trask’s ability to step in if needed

Running back is another position where the Bucs have intriguing decisions to make. Rachaad White is locked in as the lead back after showing promise last season with his versatility as both a runner and receiver. Behind him, however, competition has been fierce. Chase Edmonds, known for his quickness and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, has made a strong case to be the primary backup. Meanwhile, Ke’Shawn Vaughn and rookie Sean Tucker have been battling for a spot as well. Vaughn’s experience gives him an edge, but Tucker’s explosiveness and upside make him hard to ignore. It’s possible the Bucs keep three running backs plus a fullback, but with the league trending toward passing-heavy offenses, Bowles may decide to prioritize an extra receiver or tight end instead. If that happens, Vaughn could be on the outside looking in despite his veteran presence.

The wide receiver group is arguably the Bucs’ biggest strength, but it’s also where tough decisions loom. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are entrenched as the top two targets, providing reliability and big-play ability. Beyond them, however, there has been a heated competition for depth spots. Russell Gage, despite his talent, has dealt with injuries that cloud his future with the team. Rookie Trey Palmer has impressed with his speed and ability to separate, while veterans like Deven Thompkins and Kaylon Geiger have also made strong pushes. With the Bucs likely keeping six receivers, the final spots could come down to special teams contributions. Players who can return kicks or cover punts often gain an edge in these battles. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a surprise cut in this group if the team prioritizes youth and upside over veteran familiarity. Gage, for instance, could find himself on the chopping block if the Bucs decide his contract and injury history are not worth the risk

Tight end is a position of interest as well, especially with the Bucs incorporating more two-tight end sets in their offense. Cade Otton appears locked in as the starter, but who fills out the depth chart remains up in the air. Ko Kieft brings a physical presence as a blocker, while Payne Durham has shown flashes as a receiving option during preseason. David Wells is another name in the mix, but keeping four tight ends seems unlikely unless the team trims from another position. With Bowles’ emphasis on versatility, the tight ends who can both block effectively and contribute in the passing game will have the upper hand. This decision could go down to the wire, especially if the staff values special teams impact from the back-end tight ends

On the offensive line, the Bucs have faced challenges over the past few seasons, especially with injuries. Protecting the quarterback is paramount, and Bowles knows this unit must perform at a high level if the offense is to succeed. Tristan Wirfs is transitioning to left tackle, a move that has drawn plenty of attention. He’s an All-Pro caliber player, and the expectation is that he’ll handle the switch smoothly. At right tackle, Luke Goedeke has taken steps forward, but consistency remains key. The interior line features Ryan Jensen at center, although injuries have raised concerns about his availability. Guard spots will likely go to players like Matt Feiler and Cody Mauch, the rookie who has impressed with his toughness and adaptability. The question is depth—how many backups do the Bucs keep, and who gets those roles? Names like Nick Leverett, Brandon Walton, and Robert Hainsey are fighting for security, but it’s possible one of these familiar faces gets cut if the team prioritizes other positions. Offensive line depth is always critical, yet roster numbers often squeeze out linemen who could start elsewhere

Defensively, the Bucs pride themselves on a physical, aggressive approach, and this year will be no different. The defensive line anchors the front, with Vita Vea as the centerpiece. His ability to control the line of scrimmage makes life easier for everyone around him. Logan Hall and Greg Gaines provide complementary skills, and rookie Calijah Kancey has shown flashes that excite the coaching staff. The depth beyond these names, however, is a work in progress. Players like Will Gholston and Patrick O’Connor are fighting to stay on the roster, but with youth pushing from behind, veteran jobs are not guaranteed. Bowles has always valued rotation up front, so the Bucs will likely keep at least six defensive linemen, but the exact configuration could surprise people. Don’t be shocked if a longtime contributor becomes a cap casualty in favor of younger, cheaper talent

At edge rusher, Shaquil Barrett remains the leader, but after his injury, the team needs to ensure they have adequate depth. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is expected to take a step forward in his development, while Anthony Nelson provides steady production. The emergence of rookie Yaya Diaby adds intrigue to this group. Diaby’s speed and energy could earn him snaps early, but roster spots beyond the top three or four players are up for grabs. This position is critical for Bowles’ defense, as generating pressure without heavy blitzing gives the secondary a better chance to succeed. If the Bucs feel they lack enough juice on the edge, they could look to the waiver wire after cuts across the league. For now, though, they have some promising options internally, even if it means making hard calls on players who have been around for a few years

The linebacker group features stalwarts Lavonte David and Devin White, but questions swirl around the depth behind them. K.J. Britt and SirVocea Dennis have been competing for key backup roles, with Dennis flashing the kind of sideline-to-sideline speed that could make him a long-term piece. Special teams contributions will heavily influence these decisions, as backup linebackers often carve out roles there before seeing defensive snaps. The Bucs typically keep four or five linebackers, so every rep in practice matters for those battling at the bottom of the depth chart. One name to watch is J.J. Russell, who has quietly had a strong camp and could edge out a more well-known player if he continues to perform

The secondary is another area filled with talent but also uncertainty. Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean are locked in as the starting corners, forming one of the better duos in the league when healthy. Behind them, however, the battle for depth is intense. Zyon McCollum, Dee Delaney, and rookie Josh Hayes have all made cases for a spot, with McCollum’s athleticism giving him an edge. At safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. is the unquestioned leader, but who lines up next to him remains a storyline. Ryan Neal was brought in to fill that role, and he has looked solid, but players like Nolan Turner and Kaevon Merriweather are making things interesting. With Bowles’ preference for defensive backs who can play multiple spots, versatility could be the deciding factor. Expect the Bucs to keep at least nine defensive backs, but which ones will make it is still up for debate

Special teams, often overlooked, can determine the fate of fringe roster players. Jake Camarda is locked in as the punter after an impressive rookie season, and Chase McLaughlin seems to have secured the kicking job. The long snapper spot is stable as well, but return duties remain unsettled. Deven Thompkins has handled those responsibilities in the past, but rookies and young receivers are making their case. In a league where hidden yardage matters, the player who proves most reliable in the return game could earn a roster spot over someone who offers slightly more as a pure offensive or defensive contributor

As the final cutdown day approaches, emotions will run high. Todd Bowles and the Bucs’ decision-makers face an unenviable task: balancing talent, potential, and financial considerations to craft the best possible 53-man roster. Some veterans who have been staples of this team could be let go, while young players with upside will get their shot. For fans, the excitement is mixed with anxiety, as every cut and every retention sends ripples through the depth chart. The coming days will answer the questions that have lingered all offseason: Who stays, who goes, and what does it mean for the Buccaneers’ chances in the upcoming season? One thing is certain—the drama surrounding this roster cutdown will make headlines, and the decisions made now could shape the Bucs’ fortunes for years to come