5 Burning questions on the Bucs offense that need answered ahead of 2025

USA Today

5 days ago

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare to defend their NFC South title, their offense is in a transitional but promising phase. With a mix of veterans, emerging contributors, and new faces, each offensive position group faces its own key question heading into training camp and the 2025 season.
Here's one big question surrounding every unit on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback: Can Baker Mayfield sustain his career-best season under new play-caller Josh Grizzard?
Mayfield delivered a breakout performance in 2024, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 71.4% completion rate. That season's offensive upturn was orchestrated by new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who stepped up after Liam Coen departed for Jacksonville. Grizzard now takes the reins, bringing continuity while adding his own strategic concepts. The burning question: Can Mayfield continue to build on his success and adapt to Grizzard's approach, proving he's more than a one-season sensation?
Running Back: Can Bucky Irving replicate his historic rookie year, and will depth behind him step forward?
Fourth-round rookie Bucky Irving became the first Buccaneer since Doug Martin (2012) to rush for over 1,000 yards, finishing 2024 with 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on a stellar 5.4 yards per carry. He also chipped in 47 receptions for 392 yards, contributing to the team's explosive ground game. With Rachaad White returning mixed workloads and Sean Tucker adding depth, the question is: Will Irving build on his All-Rookie debut, and can Tampa deepen its backfield to maintain balance?
Wide Receiver: Will Chris Godwin return to full form and fortify an already elite receiver room?
While Mike Evans remains a reliable threat, the Bucs' offense missed its full rhythm after Chris Godwin Jr. fractured his ankle in Week 7 of 2024. Godwin tallied 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games. Fully recovered and signed to a three-year extension, his return is critical. The key question: Can Godwin regain his previous form to reinforce an elite WR corps and restore three-dimensional receiving production?
Tight End: Can Cade Otton break out and become a true mismatch weapon?
Tight end Cade Otton delivered a safe and effective performance in his first two seasons, highlighted by 52 receptions for 497 yards in 2024. With offensive concepts under Grizzard and Mayfield acknowledging his reliability, the question is clear: Can Otton elevate to become a consistent seam threat and red-zone mismatch, not just a check-down safety valve?
Offensive Line: Will the offense hold up without Tristan Wirfs to start the season?
All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the opening weeks of 2025 due to a lower-leg injury. In his absence, Charlie Heck will likely start at LT. Alongside second-year center Graham Barton, right guard Cody Mauch, Luke Godeke, and returning left guard Ben Bredeson. Someone will need to step up to be the anchor until 78 returns. The burning question: Can this reshuffled line protect Mayfield and maintain a potent rushing attack without its star tackle?