The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have wrapped up the 2026 NFL Draft and are now turning their attention to training camp, but the roster isn't quite set in stone just yet. With a few weeks left before the season kicks off, there's still time to make smart, targeted additions that could make a real difference. Let's break down where the Bucs could use a little extra firepower.
Cornerback is the most glaring need right now. The current group is incredibly young, and perhaps more concerning, there's no veteran presence to lean on. Zyon McCollum, who's still finding his footing after a tough season, is somehow one of the most experienced players in the secondary. That's a risky situation for a defense that demands sharp communication and physical play on the back end. The Bucs have bet big on youth and potential, but adding a seasoned cornerback could steady the ship, provide leadership, and give Todd Bowles a reliable option when the pressure is on.
Safety is another area that feels a bit thin, even with some expected returns from injury. The team is counting on players like J.J. Roberts to bounce back, but relying solely on health is always a gamble. Behind the projected starters, the depth is limited, and that's a concern in a defense that asks its safeties to do everything from locking down receivers to stuffing the run. One injury could quickly expose this weakness, making it a prime spot for a late veteran addition that could quietly pay big dividends.
Then there's tight end—a position the Bucs addressed in the draft, but not in a way that fully solves the puzzle. Sixth-round pick Bauer Sharp brings some intrigue, but he's not a proven answer as the TE2. Cade Otton, fresh off a new contract, is clearly the top option, but in Zac Robinson's offense, tight ends are expected to be consistent contributors, not just occasional targets. Whether it's in the passing game or as part of the run scheme, having a reliable second tight end matters. Right now, neither Devin Culp nor Payne Durham has stepped up to claim that role, leaving a gap that could use a veteran's steady hands.
