TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their rookies report Monday for their 2024 training camp, and veterans will join them Tuesday at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa. Here's a closer look at a few storylines.
Biggest question: Can quarterback Baker Mayfield not only replicate last year's success but take another step forward now that he has found a long-term home with the Bucs?
The team has set Mayfield up for a successful year. It hired Liam Coen, his former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, to help build upon what former offensive coordinator Dave Canales started in Mayfield's first season with Tampa Bay last year. The Bucs also re-signed Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans and grabbed center Graham Barton in the first round of the draft -- also selecting wide receiver Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving and guard Elijah Klein. They also signed free agent interior offensive linemen Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson. Now it's on Mayfield to deliver.
Will All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs end his "hold-in"? He's set to play under the fifth-year option, but he and agent Jeremy Newberry have been trying to negotiate a new deal with the team -- and both sides want to get it done. Although he was present during mandatory minicamp to avoid fines and to not disrupt camaraderie, he did not participate in on-field practices so as to avoid injury. Coach Todd Bowles wasn't worried when asked about the situation last month, adding, "We don't need to see him. He's getting the plays, and he's getting the work in. To come into work for three days would probably be useless [in terms] of getting something out of it." But obviously training camp is a different story; reps become more critical there as the season draws closer.
Most impactful offseason addition: Barton. The Bucs selected him 26th overall in hopes that he can aid Mayfield. Fortifying the interior offensive line carries even more importance for a 6-foot quarterback because it's needed to protect his sight line, but Barton hasn't played center since his freshman year at Duke in 2020. "It's a heavy load, especially after playing tackle for three years and then going against a defense that does a lot of things," Bowles said. "This will be a good baptism for him, as far as getting ready for the season. I think he's learned a lot, I think he's eager to get in pads and really show what he can do physically. He's a smart guy." Robert Hainsey had 36 pass-blocking losses (fourth most) last season at the position, according to ESPN Stats & Information, and his 11 sacks attributed was second most.
Most compelling position battle: Left guard. While Barton's status as the starting center is a no-brainer, things are less clear at left guard. Tampa Bay signed Opeta and Bredeson as free agents this offseason, and Bowles singled out both when asked who impressed him most in minicamp. "That's going to be a heck of a battle -- I'm really looking forward to seeing that right there," Bowles said. The team also selected Klein in the sixth round, and there's Hainsey, who continues to train with former Bucs assistant and interior offensive lineman A.Q. Shipley each summer.
Player with the most to prove: Wide receiver Chris Godwin enters the last year of a three-year contract worth $60 million. Godwin's production fell last season when he was moved outside. An in-season move back to the slot produced better results. however, as he reached 1,000 yards for the third straight year. But he has produced just five receiving touchdowns in the past two seasons after 21 from 2019 to 2021, and the Bucs want to see those numbers go up to justify paying two receivers $20 million or more per year.