3 Bucs players who helped their chances of making the 53 man roster

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3 Bucs players who helped their chances of making the 53 man roster

Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire · Buccaneers Wire

Sun, Aug 30, 2026 ·

2 min read

Bauer Sharp

The sixth-round rookie became increasingly involved in the offense as camp progressed and finished the first two preseason games with six catches for 37 yards. More importantly, Sharp began working his way into reps with the first-team offense over Devin Culp and Payne Durham . Culp entered camp with two years in Tampa Bay 's system and appeared to have the advantage for one of the final spots. Instead, Sharp's emergence has made him a legitimate candidate to stick around, while Culp has struggled to make much of an impact during the preseason. The Bucs don't necessarily need four tight ends, and special teams will factor heavily into the decision if they do.

Jalon Daniels

Daniels entered camp as an undrafted rookie with Baker Mayfield and Jake Browning ahead of him, making the practice squad seem like his most realistic destination, until he stepped onto the field during the first preseason game against the Jets. Throughout the preseason, the former Kansas quarterback completed 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown over three games while adding another 42 yards and a score on the ground. His best work came over the first two weeks, including three consecutive scoring drives against Kansas City . Friday's finale wasn't nearly as clean. Daniels went 8 of 15 for 57 yards, lost a fumble on the snap, something that has been problematic, and was sacked three times behind a struggling offensive line. Still, his overall preseason showed enough arm talent and mobility to make carrying three quarterbacks a legitimate consideration for Tampa Bay.

Luke Haggard

Tampa Bay's backup offensive line was one of its biggest disappointments of the preseason, but Haggard managed to help himself while several players around him struggled. Haggard received extended work at tackle throughout August and was one of the more reliable reserve linemen in Friday's loss to Jacksonville . That stood out on a night when the Bucs allowed five sacks and managed just 87 total yards. Todd Bowles acknowledged afterward that Tampa Bay's offensive line depth is a concern, making every dependable option behind the starting five even more valuable. Haggard has experience in Tampa Bay's system and can provide depth at tackle, where the Bucs haven't gotten the development they hoped for from some of their younger options.