Tampa Bay has enjoyed a remarkable offseason — maybe the best offseason we’ve seen from a defending Super Bowl champion, at least in the salary cap era. The fact that the Buccaneers were able to retain their entire title-winning starting lineup is unheard of, especially when you consider three players in particular (Shaq Barrett, Chris Godwin and Lavonte David) were set for massive paydays in free agency. Hats off to Jason Licht for keeping this group together, and to Bruce Arians for getting everyone to buy in.
This roster starts with Tom Brady. Although he’s no longer at his peak at 43 years old (he’ll be 44 in August), his attention to detail and the way he demands perfection from his supporting cast is incomparable. Of course, he does have one of the best receiving corps in the league with Godwin, Mike Evans and Antonio Brown, along with a bevy of talented tight ends in Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. This loaded passing attack — behind an offensive line that features second-year tackle Tristan Wirfs, who’s on his way to becoming the best lineman in the NFL — makes up for a run game that finished tied for 28th in the league last season, averaging just 94.9 rush yards per game. I’d expect the ground game to improve in 2021, considering Tampa’s sheer depth at the RB position. If guys want the rock, they’re going to have to earn it.
Defensively, Todd Bowles has stars at every level with Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and Vita Vea impacting the game in a big way up front. Adding Joe Tryon with the final pick in April’s first round only keeps this pass-rush unit more formidable. Then there’s David and Devin White, perhaps the best linebacking duo in the league, manning the middle in front of a young secondary full of promise.
There is no weakness on this roster, as Tampa boasts a respectable special teams unit. Ryan Succop had his best performance last season since 2016, converting more than 90 percent of his field-goal and extra-point attempts, which earned him a new three-year deal.
