Ranking the 5 most important players on Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 roster feat. Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers exceeded expectations last season by making it to the NFL playoffs and advancing to the divisional round. This was an impressive result, considering they did so in their first year since Tom Brady retired. Baker Mayfield did well in replacing him, but now the pressure will be on him to perform again this year.
For the Buccaneers to return to the playoffs in the 2024 season, they will need some of their key players to step up in a big way. Here are their five most important players on their quest to do so.
Most important Buccaneers for the 2024 NFL season
#5, Zyon McCollum
The Buccaneers have moved on from Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis in the past two offseasons, creating a potential weakness in their cornerbacks. Zyon McCollum is expected to be elevated to a starter this season, joining Jamel Dean. Tampa Bay allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game last year, so McCollum will have an opportunity to try to fix one of their biggest problems.
#4, Randy Gregory
Shaq Barrett has been the leading pass rusher for the Buccaneers during his career in Tampa Bay. He departed the team during the offseason, so the Bucs will need other players to get after opposing quarterbacks. They recently added Randy Gregory to help them do so. He's looking to bounce back after a disappointing year.
#3, Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. enjoyed a breakout season last year that resulted in him being selected as an All-Pro. He has emerged as the leader of their defense and one of their most dynamic players. With several defensive starters leaving the team during the offseason, Winfield will be counted on to have another strong season in their secondary.
#2, Lavonte David
The staple of the Buccaneers defense last season was shutting down the opposing offense's ground game. They allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, which can be partially credited to their excellent inside linebacker combination of Devin White and Lavonte David. With White departing during the offseason, David will need to step up to keep this area a strength for them.
#1, Baker Mayfield
Replacing Tom Brady is an extremely difficult task for any quarterback, but Baker Mayfield excelled in doing so by making a playoff run with the Buccaneers last year. Making his success even more impressive is that he was on a one-year contract in what was essentially a "prove it" deal. He did exactly that and earned a three-year, $100 million contract, so he will enter the season with higher expectations.