Tag: Tampa Bay

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chase Lucas (26) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Reports: Bucs adding CBs Chase Lucas, Kemon Hall

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding to their depth at cornerback with one-year contracts for free agents Chase Lucas and Kemon Hall, according to reports on Thursday.

Lucas, 29, has agreed to join the Bucs, per NFL Network, after recording nine tackles in 15 games last season for San Francisco. He played on 53% of the 49ers’ special teams snaps (204) and 10% of the defensive snaps (98).

He has played in 33 regular-season games for the Detroit Lions (2022-23) and 49ers (2025) as well as a total of four playoff games and has 15 career tackles.

Detroit selected Lucas in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arizona State.

Hall, 28, is signing with Tampa Bay, per an ESPN report, after playing in four games last season for the Tennessee Titans and making nine tackles. He was in on 64% of the special teams snaps (70) and 30% of the defensive snaps (66).

He has played in 28 career games for the Los Angeles Chargers (2021-22), Dallas Cowboys (2024) and Titans (2025) and has 24 career tackles and one forced fumble.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) reacts a touchdown during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

WR Mike Evans to leave Bucs, reportedly join Niners

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Mike Evans is leaving Tampa after playing all 12 years of his career with the Buccaneers.

Evans is reportedly signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports Monday.

“Saying goodbye to a legend such as Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with appreciation and gratitude for all that he did during his extraordinary 12-year career as a Buccaneer,” the Buccaneers posted Monday on social media.

The Buccaneers and Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, cited the 32-year-old’s desire for a “new challenge” as the main motivating factor in the move, which cannot become official until Wednesday, the first day of the 2026 league year.

“The Buccaneers made it clear they would have loved for Mike to finish his career in Tampa and potentially become just the fourth player in franchise history to spend his entire career as a Buccaneer and ultimately walk into Canton representing the organization,” agent Deryk Gilmore said in a statement, per ESPN.

“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money. The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, demonstrating how much they value him and everything he has meant to the franchise. In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game.”

The Buccaneers selected Evans seventh overall in the 2014 draft. He was a key piece in the Tom Brady-led squad that won the Super Bowl after 2020 season.

“Tampa Bay will always be a special place for Mike Evans, and his respect and gratitude for the organization and its fans will never change,” Gilmore’s statement said.

Evans topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons before finishing with just 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games last year. He missed three games due to a hamstring injury and six because of a broken collarbone, though he was back for the season’s final month.

The Texas A&M product just completed a two-year contract that featured an average annual salary of $20.5 million.

In 176 career games (175 starts), Evans has compiled 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. He is Tampa Bay’s all-time leader in all three of those categories as well as scoring (662 points).

“He leaves as the most accomplished offensive player in franchise history – a six-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion – but it was his dedication to making a difference off the field that will define his lasting legacy in our community,” the Bucs statement said.

–Field Level Media

Report: Bucs hiring Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith

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Special teams coordinator Danny Smith is leaving after 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the same role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

Smith, 72, and the entire coaching staff, though under contract through February, have been permitted by the Steelers to seek employment elsewhere, according to reports. Mike Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13 after 19 seasons as head coach.

A Pittsburgh native, Smith was hired by the Steelers on Jan. 31, 2013. He previously served as special teams coordinator with Buffalo (2001-03) and Washington (2004-12).

Smith was a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach with the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-98) and tight ends coach with the Detroit Lions (1999-2000).

–Field Level Media

Bucs denote QB Baker Mayfield limited on estimated practice report

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During his three years in Tampa Bay, quarterback Baker Mayfield has yet to miss a starting assignment. It’s unlikely he’s going to miss Saturday’s regular-season finale.

There have been many injury obstacles for the veteran to overcome, especially in 2025, and another set are at work as the Buccaneers face a must-win situation this weekend.

Mayfield was designated as a limited participant on Tuesday’s estimated injury report, listing right shoulder and knee injuries.

Tampa Bay conducted a walk-through practice in preparation for Saturday’s home contest vs. NFC South-leading Carolina.

Mayfield has steered clear of the injury report in recent weeks after landing on the list earlier in the season with a left shoulder injury.

In the first nine games this season, Mayfield threw 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions as the Bucs took control of the division with a 6-3 mark. But as Tampa Bay has backslid over the past two months, Mayfield has struggled, tossing eight picks and nine touchdowns.

His completion percentage is down to 62.8%, the lowest in three seasons in Tampa. For the season, he has thrown for 3,490 yards, 25 TD passes and 10 interceptions.

Tampa Bay must defeat Carolina and have New Orleans defeat Atlanta to win the NFC South with an 8-9 record.

–Field Level Media

Bucs must handle Dolphins for shot at NFC South crown

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Tampa Bay’s five-year playoff streak is in jeopardy as it takes on host Miami on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The Buccaneers (7-8) need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and set up a Week 18 showdown with Carolina for the NFC South title. A loss would eliminate Tampa Bay from postseason contention.

The Dolphins (6-9) are relegated to a spoiler role against their in-state foes, but they’ll also continue to evaluate their franchise’s future with rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers expected to make his second consecutive start in place of the benched Tua Tagovailoa.

Tampa Bay has been sliding since its 6-2 start, losing six of its past seven games.

The skid has come, ironically, after several key offensive starters returned to action — including running back Bucky Irving and receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Instead of seizing the division title, the Bucs have slipped under .500 for the first time this season.

“The reality has been there with us for the past few weeks,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said. “We just got to play mistake-free football, and we can’t worry about losing. We got to play to win.”

The Bucs have lost each of their past three games by four points or fewer.

In last week’s 23-20 loss to Carolina, the Bucs fell behind with 2:20 left and their last-ditch efforts to pull out a win fell short when Baker Mayfield was intercepted by Carolina’s Lathan Ransom with 42 seconds left.

“It’s as clear as it can be, wish we would have taken care of business today but the situation doesn’t change,” Mayfield said. “It sucks, too many penalties on offense … gotta finish with seven (points) in the red zone instead of three.”

Mayfield faces a Miami defense that excelled during the team’s recent four-game winning streak that provided a brief sliver of hope to make the playoffs. In two games since, the Dolphins have allowed 73 points as their opponents scored on 11 of their last 18 possessions. Eight ended with touchdowns.

Miami allowed four consecutive touchdown drives to open the second half last week in a 45-21 loss to Cincinnati. The prior week, the Dolphins allowed four consecutive touchdown drives from the end of the first half into the third quarter in a loss to Pittsburgh.

“We got to be more warmed up and stuff like that, but we just got to come out stronger, everybody just got to do their one and come out stronger,” edge rusher Chop Robinson said. “There really is no excuse or no reason why. We just got to come out stronger in the second half.”

Ewers was effective early and then struggled toward the end of his first start last week. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards but threw two interceptions with no touchdowns.

“I want to see growth,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said about Ewers. “That’s the biggest thing. I saw some (Sunday) how he was quarterbacking the group. He took a step forward with his confidence and disposition, continued progression and his command of the position.”

The Dolphins could be short-handed on the offensive line as center Aaron Brewer did not practice on Wednesday to address a neck injury. Brewer has played in 58 consecutive games. Backup Andrew Meyer could be tabbed to replace Brewer if he can’t play.

Linebacker Tyrel Dodson (chest), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (toe), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) and tight end Darren Waller (groin/rest) also did not practice. Cornerback Isaiah Johnson (knee), defensive tackle Benito Jones (back) and kicker Jason Sanders (hip) were limited.

For the Bucs, linebacker Anthony Nelson (knee) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) did not practice. Tight end Devin Culp (illness), Godwin (fibula), offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (ankle) and linebacker Lavonte David (rest) were limited. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (pectoral) also returned to practice in limited fashion as the Bucs opened his 21-day practice window to potentially activate him from injured reserve.

–Field Level Media

Bucs activate WRs Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan from IR

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Tampa Bay wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan were activated from injured reserve on Wednesday and listed as questionable to play Thursday night against the visiting Atlanta Falcons.

Evans was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 22, two days after he broke his collarbone in the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the host Detroit Lions.

McMillan, in turn, has been out since sustaining a neck injury during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 16.

Evans, 32, has 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown in four games this season. He had missed three earlier games with a hamstring injury.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection had a record-tying streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, a mark set by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice from 1986-96.

Drafted with the seventh overall pick by Tampa Bay in 2014, Evans is the franchise’s all-time leader in catches (850), receiving yards (12,824), touchdown receptions (106) and scoring (650 points).

McMillan, who turned 24 on Sunday, made a big impact last season after fellow wideout Chris Godwin was lost for the campaign in October. McMillan had seven touchdown receptions in the final five games as a rookie and totaled 37 catches for 461 yards and eight TDs in 13 games (12 starts).

Tampa Bay selected McMillan in the third round of the 2024 draft out of Washington.

The Bucs waived defensive lineman C.J. Brewer and wide receiver Ryan Miller.

Brewer, 28, had four tackles and one-half sack in five games as a reserve this season. Miller, 25, had two receptions on four targets and one TD in 13 games (three starts).

–Field Level Media

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder) makes early exit vs. Rams

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was ruled out for the second half because of a left shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in Inglewood, Calif.

The Bucanneers initially announced that he was doubtful to return after halftime before he was downgraded to out. He was replaced by veteran Teddy Bridgewater to start the second half.

Mayfield first started to show shoulder discomfort after a 7-yard scramble just before the midway point of the second quarter. He finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson but went to the sideline medical tent immediately after the score.

Mayfield returned to complete the remainder of the first half but was slow to get up when he went to the ground after he unleashed a downfield pass on the final play before halftime that was intercepted by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. He immediately reached to his left shoulder while on the ground.

The Buccaneers trailed 31-7 at halftime.

Mayfield completed 9 of 19 passes for 41 yards with a TD and two interceptions, one of which was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by the Rams’ Cobie Durant in the first quarter.

The 41 passing yards were third fewest for Mayfield in a first half of a start in his career.

Mayfield, 30, entered the game completing 63.5% of his passes for 2,365 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 starts.

In eight NFL seasons, that included five games with the Rams in 2022, Mayfield has completed 62.7% of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 TDs and 95 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Jahmyr Gibbs tops 200 total yards as Lions club Buccaneers

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Jahmyr Gibbs piled up 218 total yards and two touchdowns, including a 78-yard scoring run, as the host Detroit Lions downed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-9, on Monday night.

Gibbs rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries and caught three passes for 82 yards. Jared Goff passed for 241 yards and a touchdown, while Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown for the Lions (5-2).

Baker Mayfield passed for 228 yards and a touchdown for the Buccaneers (5-2). Cade Otton caught seven passes for 65 yards.

Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a concussion and shoulder injury during the first half and did not return.

The Lions grabbed a 14-3 halftime lead.

Detroit wasted little time establishing control, as it scored on the opening possession. A 27-yard pass from Goff to St. Brown completed the 69-yard drive.

That was the only scoring during the opening quarter. Gibbs ended the drought with 5:51 remaining in the half when he burst through a hole and raced down the right sideline on his 78-yard run.

There was plenty of activity late in the half. Detroit’s Jake Bates missed a field goal attempt and both quarterbacks traded interceptions. The latter, Jamel Dean’s pickoff of a Goff attempt, set up Chase McLaughlin’s 53-yard field goal to end the half.

The Bucs pulled within five points with an 11-play, 67-yard drive to open the second half. Tez Johnson’s 22-yard reception finished off the drive, but Mayfield’s 2-point conversion pass failed, leaving the score at 14-9.

Gibbs sparked the next Detroit scoring drive. He had a 15-yard run and a 28-yard reception before scoring on a 5-yard run with 4:39 remaining in the third quarter.

The Bucs came up short on fourth down in their own territory early in the fourth and the Lions cashed in on Bates’ 58-yard field goal to make it 24-9.

Tampa Bay turned the ball over on downs with 4:24 remaining after driving inside the Detroit 20.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scramble for positive yards against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield guides Buccaneers to high-octane win over Seahawks

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Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals, including a 39-yarder as time expired, to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a 38-35 victory against the host Seattle Seahawks on Sunday as both teams celebrated their 50th anniversaries by wearing throwback uniforms.

Baker Mayfield completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers (4-1). He hit Sterling Shepard with an 11-yard scoring strike with 1:08 remaining to tie the score at 35.

The Bucs got the ball back on Lavonte David’s interception on a ball that deflected off the helmet of teammate Logan Hall at the line of scrimmage to set up the winning kick.

Sam Darnold was 28-of-34 passing for 341 yards, four TDs and two interceptions for the Seahawks (3-2), who had a three-game winning streak snapped. AJ Barner caught two scoring passes for Seattle.

Darnold threw a 21-yard TD pass to rookie Tory Horton on fourth-and-2 with 3:18 remaining to cap an eight-play, 99-yard drive and put Seattle up 35-28.

The Bucs drove into the red zone on each of their first two possessions, but had to settle for McLaughlin field goals of 30 and 36 yards.

Tampa Bay extended its lead to 13-0 on a 7-yard run around the left end by Rachaad White with 2:09 left in the half. White served as the Bucs’ lead back with Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) sidelined.

The Seahawks scored on Darnold’s 6-yard slant to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (eight catches, 132 yards) in the back of the end zone with 6 seconds left in the half.

The Seahawks took the second-half kickoff and went 77 yards in just four plays, taking a 14-13 lead after Zach Charbonnet’s 5-yard run up the middle.

The Bucs regained the lead on Mayfield’s 20-yard scoring strike to Emeka Egbuka. The duo connected on a two-point conversion to make it 21-14.

The Seahawks tied it at 21 on a 2-yard TD pass from Darnold to Barner.

Tampa Bay moved back out front as White took a pitch to the left and scored on a 1-yard run with 19 seconds left in the third quarter to make it 28-21. A 57-yard pass to Egbuka down to the 2 was the key play.

Darnold’s 6-yard TD pass to Barner knotted the score at 28 with 9:48 remaining.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Offensive line still Texans’ issue as they prepare for Bucs

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Following an offseason of personnel changes on the offensive line, the Houston Texans opened the season last week against the Los Angeles Rams and looked like nothing changed.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked three times and pressured on more than 41 percent of his dropbacks, perNextGen Stats, during a 14-9 road loss to the Rams. The Texans, who host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, remain a work in progress in terms of providing suitable protection for Stroud. Their vulnerability will be challenged again considering the Bucs pressured Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on more than 43 percent of his dropbacks in Week 1.

“Their front, it really comes from Todd’s philosophy,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, referencing Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. “They’re going to bring a lot of exotic pressures. There will be pressure from safeties, nickels, everybody is coming and … they do a really good job of disguising it. We just really have to do a great job as an offense when the picture changes. How are we reacting and responding?

“Communicating the proper way when the picture changes, that will be the challenge for us this week,” Ryans added.

With Stroud under extreme duress, Houston receiver Nico Collins had only three receptions (on five targets) for 25 yards against the Rams. Far and away the Texans’ top option in the passing game, Collins stands a superior shot of being unlocked if the Texans execute better on offense.

“Offensively, when you go back to the game on Sunday, we have so many plays where we’re playing behind the sticks and we’re not doing things that we’re trained to do,” Ryans said. “We’re not doing things that are conducive to staying on track, and being able to run our offense in that type of fashion, it’s going to be hard to get the ball to a certain player here or there.

“We’ve got to do the things that we’re coached to do, make sure we’re staying on track offensively, making sure everybody is on the same page, and we’re putting ourselves in position to make positive plays. When we have those positive plays, then it opens up the offense for us to be able to get the ball to whoever we want to get the ball to.”

The Buccaneers, who won their season opener 23-20 at Atlanta, welcomed left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) back to practice on Thursday, a positive development for that unit after right tackle Luke Goedeke was a non-participant.

Bowles revealed Goedeke played through a foot injury on Sunday and that his status for the remainder of the week and Monday night’s tilt was undetermined. Graham Barton manned left tackle in place of Wirfs against the Falcons, while Charlie Heck replaced Goedeke in Thursday’s practice.

Bowles was coy regarding Wirfs’ potential availability against the Texans and echoed similar sentiment regarding receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle), who also practiced on Thursday. Wirfs and Godwin will have their game-time status determined as the week of preparation unfolds.

Should Wirfs, a two-time first-team All-Pro, return to the fold, it would provide Tampa Bay a measure of normalcy up front. That’s something the Texans are seeking as well because center Jake Andrews (ankle) did not practice on Thursday.

“They’re shuffling just like we are,” Bowles said. “Right now, we’re just trying to get our feet under us. It’s not about advantages, it’s about us taking care of us and playing fast.

“Whatever they have, they have; whatever we have, we have. We’ve got to go down there and try to win the game no matter what.”

–Field Level Media