They\u2019ll need some key players to step up and take their game to a new level for that to become a reality. There are three buccaneers in particular who could have breakout seasons in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers ready for career years in 2026OLB Yaya Diaby\u00a0<\/p>\n
No Buccaneers is better positioned for a breakout than Diaby. He\u2019s led the team in sacks in two of his three pro seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The problem? He\u2019s done it as the primary edge rusher with a lackluster supporting cast.<\/p>\n
The Buccaneers overhauled their defensive front this year, adding Rueben Bain Jr. and Al-Quadin Muhammad to the rotation, while getting David Walker back from injury.<\/p>\n
They also strengthened the interior, adding A\u2019Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the best defensive line Diaby has ever been a part of, and he should be the prime beneficiary<\/a> from the team\u2019s defensive overhaul.<\/p>\n WR Jalen McMillan<\/p>\n Everybody\u2019s talking about Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Even rookie Ted Hurst is generating more buzz than McMillan, who has become the forgotten man in Tampa Bay.\u00a0<\/p>\n But if McMillan can stay healthy, he could have a massive role in the offense. He was injured for most of last season after suffering a broken vertebrae in his neck during the preseason, but he miraculously returned for the final four games. He caught 12 passes for 178 yards.\u00a0<\/p>\n That might not sound like much, but on a 17-game pace, that would equate to 51 catches for 757 yards.\u00a0<\/p>\n McMillan is the same player who caught eight touchdowns as a rookie including one in each of the final five games of the season. He has chemistry with Baker Mayfield and should see an increased target share after Mike Evans\u2019 departure.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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