ClutchPoints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a deep roster, and that depth is coming into play before the season has even started because the team has been decimated by injuries. The health of the Buccaneers will make for an interesting cut-down day. So who will make the 53-man roster after cuts are made on Tuesday?
Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
Baker Mayfield has developed into a superstar since becoming a Buccaneer. He has made the Pro Bowl each of his two seasons with the team, even throwing for 41 touchdowns last year. Teddy Bridgewater was out of football but joined the Buccaneers to compete for the backup quarterback position, but Kyle Trask will serve as QB2 for the fourth straight season.
Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker
The Buccaneers have a great one-two punch at running back, which will allow them to keep just three ball carriers on the 53-man roster. Bucky Irving had a phenomenal rookie season, and Tampa Bay still has the utmost confidence in Rachaad White despite his sometimes inefficient rushing numbers. There will only be limited carries available for Sean Tucker, but he will likely make the most of his chances.
Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller
At full health, the Buccaneers have the best receiving corps in the NFL. Mike Evans is good for 1,000 receiving yards every season, and Chris Godwin usually leads the team in receptions. Godwin was even leading the NFL in catches before suffering an ankle injury last season. The Buccaneers also drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round, and the Ohio State product has been a training camp/preseason standout. Jalen McMillan had an incredible rookie season last year, too.
Unfortunately, Godwin’s 2025 debut will be delayed because of that aforementioned injury, although reports suggest he will still likely make the initial 53-man roster. McMillan might not be as lucky. The receiver took a nasty stumble and hurt his neck, which could lead to him starting the season on short-term injured reserve. While the injured receivers recover, Sterling Shepard and Ryan Miller will need to step up. Tez Johnson, one of the lightest NFL players ever, will also make the team as the return man.
Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin Culp
Cade Otton took a step forward in his development last season, and he is back as Mayfield’s security blanket. Ko Kieft is the blocking tight end, and Payne Durham is a big-bodied jump-ball threat. Devin Culp is certainly on the edge of the roster and fitting for a spot among the top 53 players. He gets the final roster spot here over cornerback Kindle Vildor.
Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch, Mike Jordan, Charlie Heck, Jake Majors, Elijah Klein, Luke Haggard
The Buccaneers have been ravaged by injuries before the regular season has even started. Like Godwin, Tristan Wirfs has been [activated...
