Could Buccaneers’ Ownership Not Be Fully Sold On Todd Bowles?

Free agency started with a bang, but just two days after the “official” start of the new league year, things have already settled down.

The Buccaneers lost several key players — Mike Evans, Racchad White, Logan Hall, and Jamel Dean — while bringing in Alex Anzalone, Kenneth Gainwell, and Al Quadin-Muhammad.

(Two more signings — A’Shawn Robinson and Jake Browning — have yet to be officially announced)

If you look closely at these moves, one thing really stands out: most of the new additions are around 30 years old and signed to one- or two-year deals.

After the late-season collapse, many fans expected Todd Bowles and his staff to be fired. Instead, he dismissed several longtime assistants and remained in place as head coach.

That makes 2026 a massive year for both Bowles and Jason Licht. If their futures are uncertain beyond next season, why would the organization commit to long-term deals for new players?

By signing older veterans to short-term contracts, the front office maintains the flexibility to completely reshape the roster if things don’t work out.

Publicly, the organization has to show support for its head coach. Privately, however, it’s hard to imagine they aren’t already discussing what the roster could look like in 2027.

That’s also likely why Baker Mayfield hasn’t received a new contract. He’s set to become a free agent in 2027, and if this season goes the way some expect, the Bucs could be positioning themselves to pursue a new quarterback through the draft.

When I was a younger fan, I was the eternal optimist. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve learned to evaluate the roster more objectively — and right now, it simply isn’t good enough.

Putting all your faith in the draft is a dangerous strategy. The Bucs have also limited themselves with their relative inactivity in pursuing an experienced edge rusher.

Muhammad had a strong season in Detroit, but he isn’t Trey Hendrickson.

Realistically, they were never going to offer a long-term deal to a player like that anyway. Most of the signings have been solid players on contracts of three years or less.

The reason seems fairly obvious.

The organization isn’t fully committed to its head coach.