Bucs have some questions after final cuts that are lurking below the surface of what they think is a Super Bowl-caliber roster

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the initial 53-man roster set for the 2025 season, but as with any team, there is still work to be done when it comes to the next couple of days.Even with Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs sidelined, the Bucs have one of the best rosters in the NFL. On both […]

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor
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Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the initial 53-man roster set for the 2025 season, but as with any team, there is still work to be done when it comes to the next couple of days.

Even with Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs sidelined, the Bucs have one of the best rosters in the NFL. On both sides of the ball, as well. But even if Todd Bowles admitted this cycle of roster cuts was the hardest he’s faced, the Buccaneers still have some questions in certain areas.

The good news is every question is depth-related, however, as we all know, reliable depth is absolutely vital for teams with Super Bowl expectations like the Bucs. Tampa Bay was hit with a rash of injuries last year and it totally affected the team’s trajectory.

Let’s go ahead and dive into the three biggest questions facing the Bucs after roster cuts.

Will the Buccaneers add another interior offensive lineman on the 53-man roster?

The first item that immediately standing out when looking at the Bucs’ initial 53-man roster is the lack of backup interior offensive lineman. Literally, second-year iOL Elijah Klein is the only feasible option to replace Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, or Cody Mauch. In a singular sense, of course. Bredeson could always slide over to center if Barton goes down and Klein can fill in at guard, for instance, but you get what I mean.

On one hand, it’s a testament to Klein’s development and the Bucs’ confidence in the former sixth-rounder. However, it’s a dangerous game to play, even if the team plans on adding iOL depth to the practice squad. There will be zero surprise if the Bucs make an outside addition at guard or center.

Are Haason Reddick and Co. ready to take the Bucs pass rush to another level?

The Buccaneers really need to figure out a way to get home with just four pass rushers in 2025 and Reddick, Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell, and Anthony Nelson really need to step up in order to accomplish that goal.

Below are the Bucs’ pressure rate and sack percentage rankings when sending four since 2021 and as you can see, it’s not pretty. The data is from Sports Info Solutions:

  • 2021: 14th/1th
  • 2022: 22nd/29th
  • 2023: 29th/t-11th
  • 2024: 16th/22nd

Tampa Bay also needs valiant efforts from Calijah Kancey and Logan Hall. If these guys don’t take the next step then we’ll be looking at much of the same this year.

The Bucs are also an injury or two away from the pass rush becoming mediocre simply in terms of personnel. While the depth is OK, it’s conditional in the fact that it’s only OK if Braswell and Diaby make a consistent impact and if Reddick can regain his Pro Bowl form. Honestly, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see the Bucs add an outside pass rusher once the deadline passes.

The Bucs are a bit light in the defensive trenches – should they look into adding another player?

Again, I’m fully aware practice squad elevations play a role in all of this – we are strictly talking about bringing in outside help whether it’s through a waiver claim or signing a veteran. Like the EDGE group, the Bucs defensive line is one serious injury away from getting knocked down to average status. Especially if it’s Kancey – his skill set and role provides major value to the defensive line and he’s the perfect complement to Vita Vea.

Rookie Elijah Roberts made the 53-man roster and he looked really good against the Bills – but is he ready to step up and play significant snaps if someone goes down? Greg Gaines is a steady veteran presence and knows the defense, however, he has a low ceiling in terms of making an impact.

Overall, the Buccaneers would be wise to consider some outside options that make sense. Especially when considering how easy it is for guys to get hurt in the trenches.

The Bucs are in good shape when considering the eventual returns of Godwin and Wirfs. If they can find a way to shore up these depth questions, they’ll be in a really good spot to live up to their own Super Bowl expectations.

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