The beginning of the post-Brady era in Tampa Bay saw the Bucs finish 9-8 and appear in the NFC divisional round. Some expected Tampa to be "a team in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes" while others noted that the Bucs could "surprise people" if they stay healthy. Tampa Bay got off to a 3-1 start – however, the Bucs went 1-6 after the bye week, sitting at 4-7. Thanks to a late-season surge, the Bucs clinched the NFC South after winning their week 18 game in Charlotte. In the postseason, Tampa shocked people by defeating the Eagles 32-9 in the wildcard game. The season closed in Detroit as the Lions prevailed 31-23 in the divisional round. Baker Mayfield deserved kudos as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns while tossing only ten interceptions across all 17 of the team's games. General manager Jason Licht hoped to resign critical players in the offseason. He got off to a good start by signing Mayfield to a three-year extension worth $100 million in March and resigning receiver Mike Evans to a two-year deal worth $52 million. Longest-tenured Buc linebacker Lavonte David returns to Tampa for another season to keep chemistry high. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. became the NFL's highest-paid defensive back when Licht resigned him for $84 million over four years - he was resigned since he made a Pro Bowl and finished in the top six of the Defensive Player of the Year award voting. Tampa made low-line additions such as Ben Bredeson, Chase Edmonds, Jordan Whitehead and Randy Gregory. Duke center Graham Barton was picked 18th to provide the Bucs with a solid replacement for Ryan Jensen while boosting an offensive line ranked 22nd in pass block win rate in 2023. Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell brings insurance to a pass rush ranked 24th in pressure percentage. Tampa Bay's 2024 opponents have a combined win percentage of .498, one of the easiest schedules on paper. This percentage is low due to the NFC South, one of the most accessible divisions in the NFL. The Commanders come into town for Jayden Daniels's first-ever game, while the Bucs travel to Detroit in week two for a divisional-round matchup with the Lions. The most demanding games on the Bucs' schedule are the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs and 49ers – other games on the schedule are tough outs, such as the Falcons, Saints, Giants and Chargers. Mayfield and co. have all the momentum heading into 2024 but would have to rely on the defense and the offensive line to step up, as there are speculation regarding Mayfield's playstyle. He tends to improvise, but Mayfield is undersized, putting pressure on the offensive line to block better. Though most of the matches are tough outs, the Bucs are blessed with being in an easy division – see them and the Falcons compete for first place. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS' SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS Week 1: vs Washington CommandersWeek 2: at Detroit LionsWeek 3: vs Denver BroncosWeek 4: vs Philadelphia EaglesWeek 5: at Atlanta Falcons (Thursday Night Football)Week 6: at New OrleansWeek 7: vs Baltimore Ravens (Monday Night Football)Week 8: vs Atlanta FalconsWeek 9: at Kansas City Chiefs (Monday Night Football)Week 10: vs San Francisco 49ersWeek 11: BYE WEEKWeek 12: at New York GiantsWeek 13: at Carolina PanthersWeek 14: vs Las Vegas RaidersWeek 15: at Los Angeles ChargersWeek 16: at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday Night Football)Week 17: vs Carolina PanthersWeek 18: vs New Orleans Saints The publisher receives a commission through recommended links in this content.