TAMPA — When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the field Wednesday, something about the start of this year’s training camp just felt different.
Buccaneers Training Camp 2026
Franchise greats like Mike Evans and Lavonte David are gone and represented in a different way — by fans who came to see the 2026 Bucs workout wearing their jerseys. Evans signed a free-agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers, and David retired.
For players like Chris Godwin, Evans’ absence is noticeable, but it also won’t change his approach to his new role in the wide receiver’s room as the lead vet.
“What I did and what I brought to the team was completely different than what Mike brought to the team, so it’s not like he’s gone and I got to step up. I just continue to be me, and to me that’s going to be good enough,” said the Bucs’ veteran wide receiver, entering his 10th season with the team.
Vita Vea was present but not practicing with the team. His trade request won’t affect the team’s work on the field, but it is something the players are aware of.
Unlike Vea, quarterback Baker Mayfield is here and practicing, and Head Coach Todd Bowles is not concerned about the mindset of his QB 1 for the season.
“We’re not gonna make this training camp about Baker from a team standpoint,” Bowles said after practice. “If something happens, great, but we’re getting ready for the season and play it out. He’s expecting to have a great season for himself, he loves the guys that he’s around, and we’re building from that, and that’s all we’re going to go with.”
Bowles made it clear, building team chemistry and staying healthy are two big keys to training camp, and despite the distractions off the field, he has 16 days to get his team ready before the preseason opener on the road against the New York Jets.