The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect several players to return after injuries affected the team throughout the 2025 season. One group that should benefit significantly is the offensive line.
Recently, Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com spoke with Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht about the team. A major topic of discussion was the offensive line.
“We had only one player up front who didn’t miss a snap last year, Graham Barton,” Licht said, per JoeBucsFan. “Those injuries have an effect on the entire offense. When your quarterback doesn’t feel as comfortable, just by nature, and you have guys playing different positions, you can’t get into a flow. It has an avalanche effect on the entire team. You can’t move the ball as well, so your defense is out on the field longer.”
The Buccaneers dealt with numerous injuries along the offensive line last season. The team relied on replacements like Dan Feeney and Mike Jordan throughout the year. Players were also forced to play out of position for multiple games.
When asked about offensive line depth, Licht accepted responsibility. He also noted the difficulty of building quality depth across the position group.
“Yes, of course. I always put that on myself,” Licht said. “It’s easier said than done, though. You can’t have 10 potential Pro Bowl players on your offensive line.”
One player Tampa Bay missed was Cody Mauch. He missed nearly all of last season after suffering a torn ACL early in 2026. His absence became one of the team’s most significant long-term losses.
Licht said he is excited to have Mauch back. He also praised the lineman’s relentless style of play.
“Of course, we missed him. That’s one of my favorite things about him — playing through the whistle and setting the tone up front,” Licht said.
The Buccaneers continue working during organized team activities. The third and final week of OTAs begins Tuesday. Afterward, Tampa Bay will prepare for mandatory minicamp on June 16.
Buckle up!
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