ESPN offers 1 big reason why Buccaneers can challenge in 2026

Through six weeks of the 2025 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the hottest teams in football, and Baker Mayfield was an MVP candidate.

Sitting at 5-1, the Buccaneers had things in order...until they didn't, and the wheels fell off.

Tampa Bay would finish the season with an 8-9 record and miss the playoffs as the second-half failure saw several coaching changes be made.

Now, as 2026 comes into view, is there any hope that the Buccaneers can turn this around and be where they were at the start of 2025?

Some might be skeptical of that, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gives one hope that Tampa Bay can become challengers again...and it's Baker.

"Tampa Bay can score with anybody when healthy," Fowler wrote. "Its receivers room is among the league's deepest, and the offensive line has a clear identity. Baker Mayfield, 30, has shown he's a quality NFL starter with whom Tampa Bay can win."

More: How Commanders are huge losers after failed big swing in 2025

Is it all on Mayfield in 2026?

You can make that case, as he has all the weapons needed to make a playoff run.

Mike Evans (if he returns), Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Bucky Irving are a nice group.

But keeping the offensive line healthy is key, and so is adding key pieces to the defense, particularly a pass rusher, which is a must for Todd Bowles.

The 2025 season was a horror show in the end, and the Buccaneers have the weaponry to bounce back, and it might be on Mayfield to ensure it happens.

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