Bucs Offseason Recap + Draft Preview w/ Trevor Sikkema - Ep. 543

·58 min·5 clips

The Buccaneers face a turning point after losing franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David.

The episode begins with hosts Rhett Matthew and Evan Wanish introducing the show's focus on the Buccaneers' offseason and upcoming draft. They welcome guest Trevor Sikkema from Pro Football Focus, who has been a recurring guest for years. The discussion opens with the significant losses of wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David, framing this as a turning point for the franchise. Sikkema argues that despite these departures, the Buccaneers could still field a top-10 offense in 2026 if Baker Mayfield plays well and players like Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan step up. The conversation then explores why Evans might have left, with Sikkema suggesting it could be due to doubts about Mayfield's accuracy, citing PFF data that ranked Mayfield among the bottom three in uncatchable inaccurate passes late in the 2025 season. The hosts and Sikkema debate head coach Todd Bowles' job security, noting he is on the hot seat and may need a playoff win to keep his job. They also discuss general manager Jason Licht's interest in extending Mayfield and edge rusher YaYa Diaby, with Sikkema cautioning against a Mayfield extension before seeing his 2026 performance. The episode then shifts to the NFL Draft, where the Buccaneers hold the 15th overall pick. Sikkema identifies edge rusher and inside linebacker as the team's biggest needs, prioritizing edge due to its premium position. He analyzes prospects like Akeem Mesidor and Cassius Howell, explaining Mesidor's late breakout and fit for a win-now team. The discussion covers potential day-two targets, including linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Josiah Trotter, as well as cornerbacks and tight ends. Sikkema notes the draft's importance for team culture after losing Evans and David, who were key culture figures. The episode concludes with Sikkema sharing where listeners can find his draft coverage on the NFL Stock Exchange show, and the hosts promote their own content.

As heard by us

A Bucs offseason episode where Baker's contract questions run straight into a defense-leaning draft outlook.

The Cannon Fire Podcast frames Tampa Bay's offseason as a hinge point, using roster-move recap and draft preview to ask where the Buccaneers go from here.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Baker's contract question, Tampa Bay's coaching future, and the draft board put in one clean Bucs context.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Cannon Fire Podcast