Bucs HC Todd Bowles Admits Roster Needed Changes for 2026

Bowles details the team's offseason moves to reshape the roster after a disappointing 2025 season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that the team's roster needed some changes heading into the 2026 NFL season. Bowles discussed the team's offseason moves, including the departures of veteran players like wide receiver Mike Evans, and the additions of new faces like linebacker Alex Anzalone and running back Kenneth Gainwell. The coach emphasized the team's focus on improving the roster's toughness, versatility, and overall quality, even if the changes didn't generate a lot of splashy headlines.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers' collapse at the end of the 2025 season prompted the team to reevaluate its roster and make strategic changes. Bowles' comments provide insight into the team's thought process and the specific areas they targeted for improvement, which will be crucial as they look to bounce back and contend for a playoff spot in 2026.

The details

Bowles explained that the team felt it needed to make "a few tweaks" to the roster, both in terms of coaching and playing personnel. Some of the key moves included the departures of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who the team felt was no longer close to winning a Super Bowl, and the additions of players like defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and running back Kenneth Gainwell. Bowles highlighted how these new players will bring more toughness, versatility, and overall quality to the team, even if they don't necessarily generate a lot of headlines.

  • The Buccaneers' roster changes came after a disappointing end to the 2025 season.
  • Bowles discussed the team's offseason moves at the NFL's Annual League Meeting in April 2026.

The players

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has overseen the team's roster changes for the 2026 season.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who departed the Buccaneers after the 2025 season, as the team felt he was no longer close to winning a Super Bowl.

A'Shawn Robinson

A defensive tackle acquired by the Buccaneers in the offseason, who Bowles believes will bring more toughness and sturdiness to the team's defensive line.

Alex Anzalone

A linebacker signed by the Buccaneers to help replace the retired Lavonte David, and who Bowles believes will be a strong leader and contributor to the team's defense.

Kenneth Gainwell

A running back acquired by the Buccaneers in the offseason, who Bowles believes will bring more versatility to the team's backfield in terms of running, catching, and blocking.

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What they’re saying

“We thought we had to make a few tweaks. Coaching-wise and playing-wise, and we thought we got better, and we got different, and we got better.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“A'Shawn (Robinson) brings a lot more toughness, stoutness, and sturdiness from that standpoint. Rashad (White) was a very good back for us on third down, and could block. (Kenneth) Gainwell will bring a bit more versatility from a 3-team prong standpoint, in running, catching, blocking, and special teams.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Not that Rashad wasn't great, because he was. And so you're trying to build those guys, you'll never replace Lavonte (David), but (Alex) Anzalone, in his own right, is a very good linebacker in his league. And he wears a green dot and commands respect as well, so he's gonna be very good.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to see how their roster changes pay off when they take the field for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Bowles and the Buccaneers recognized the need for a roster refresh after a disappointing 2025 campaign, focusing on adding toughness, versatility, and quality depth rather than splashy headline-grabbing moves. The team is hoping these strategic changes will help them bounce back and contend for a playoff spot in 2026.