The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the offseason making moves to strengthen their roster, but are they truly ready to dominate in 2026? Bleacher Report isn't fully convinced, and one NFC South rival—the New Orleans Saints—might just have something to say about it.

Tampa Bay's defense remains a work in progress despite adding rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. While he brings fresh energy to the front line, counting on a first-year player to transform the entire unit is a gamble. The bigger question marks, however, lie in the linebacker corps. Replacing a legend like Lavonte David is no small task. In Todd Bowles' complex defensive scheme, communication and split-second alignment adjustments are critical. Veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom bring savvy experience, and rookie Josiah Trotter offers intriguing potential, but this group needs to prove its chemistry under live fire.

On the brighter side, the running back room looks more settled. With established contributors already in the mix, Tampa Bay's ground game isn't about scrambling for snaps—it's about sustaining consistency week after week.

So, could the Saints surprise the Bucs in 2026? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. While Tampa Bay has the pieces to contend, several key areas still need to prove themselves over a full season before anyone crowns them NFC South kings. For now, the division remains wide open—and that's exactly the kind of drama football fans love.