3 Players the Bucs need to bring back for the 2026 season

As we move closer to the next stage of the offseason, we want to ensure we have a comprehensive preview of the Bucs heading into 2026. The next stage is free agency, and it has proven to be one that the Bucs can stay active in. However, in this discussion, we will approach things differently.

In this piece, we will be discussing three players from the Bucs who need to be brought back for the 2026 season.

The Bucs' free agency will be both interesting and pivotal to their success in 2026. As they look for general manager Jason Licht to make a splash one way or another for this roster. With not much salary cap space, it makes discussing free agency that much more of a tightrope act than before.

With that, here are three players we are focusing on ahead of free agency.

Mike Evans, Wide Receiver

This is a layup of a decision to write about, and a layup for Jason Licht to pull off as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Evans has and will always have a special place in the hearts of Bucs fans and the team, and unlike other aging franchise heroes, he has shown he still has some juice left. His coming back wouldn't be. charity deal, it would be a move to keep the lockerroom holding people accountable and giving the young receivers someone to watch and see what preparing the right way can get you in terms of results.

Sean Tucker, Running Back

Sean Tucker, the last two seasons, has had a week or two of brilliance before the team puts him back in the proverbial garage. The expected departure of Rachaad White will allow for the touches he is abandoning to go to him. The Bucs and new playcaller Zac Robinson have shown they like using two running backs so pairing Tucker with Bucky Irving could be a cheap move and one that gets good results.

Christian Izien, Defensive Back

The Bucs seem to be destined to deal with a plethora of injuries each season. The benefit of having players who are versatile, like Christian Izien, allows them to step up when those injuries happen. Izien could be brought back on a cheaper deal, and his role could be fluid as well. Both of those things should mean he can come back and should be.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Free Agency: 3 Bucs the team has to bring back for 2026