The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season came to an unceremonious end on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders in a 23-20 loss.  

That, unfortunately, turns the focus on this team from a hopeful Super Bowl run to figuring out what it will take to make one next season.  The Bucs are well built in some areas, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, but they have plenty of shortcomings they need to address.  That's the case when you lose 8 games in a season.  

Here are five areas that general manager Jason Licht and his staff need to focus on improving this offseason. 

5) Punter

The Bucs' punting saga of 2024 was one of the worst kept secrets of the team.  Tampa Bay went through three different punters for the season – from Jake Camarda to Trenton Gill to Jack Browning – and none appeared capable of doing this job.  While not a position of massive impact, it's still one that is perhaps the most obvious of needed improvement.  

4) Safety depth

The Bucs have a good starting duo in Antoine Winfield, Jr. and Jordan Whitehead, but injuries to both left the positional group exposed through the season.  Whitehead is also set to be a free agent after 2025, so a quality contingent plan and/or reserve would be helpful for the unit. 

3) Cornerback

This could both be for depth – which was an obvious issue against the Commanders – and perhaps as a starting option.  Jamel Dean had issues staying healthy this season, and while effective in coverage, he has had a hard time in his career being able to capitalize when opportunities to create turnovers present themselves.  Regardless, this team has to get better defending the pass, and that starts in the secondary. 

2) Outside linebacker

Speaking of defending the pass, the Bucs have a glaring need at one of their starting outside linebacker spots.  2021 first-round pick Joe Tyron-Shoyinka is now an unrestricted free agent after Tampa Bay previously declined to pick up his fifth-year rookie option, and the Bucs need a starting-caliber player to pair opposite Yaya Diaby.  This should be a position the Bucs look at hard early in the draft. 

1) Inside linebacker

Another worst-kept secret, the Bucs have a glaring issue in the middle of their defense.  Lavonte David played at a high level once again and could return, but even if he does, they have to find his successor eventually.  SirVocea Dennis should man the other spot, provided he returns 100% from the shoulder injury that cost him most of this season.  Regardless, the days of relying on K.J. Britt and J.J. Russell in the event of injury need to be gone.  This team needs much better in the middle.