Trending Now - Bucs Eye Key Free Agents as 2026 NFL Draft Approaches
WHO:
New York Jets
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller
Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
General Manager Jason Licht
Head Coach Todd Bowles
K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, New England Patriots
Devin Bush, LB, Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
John Franklin-Myers, DL, Denver Broncos
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Baltimore Ravens
WHAT:
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
The Jets have 4 picks among the first 44 selections: Nos. 2 and 16 in the first round, and Nos. 33 and 44 in the second round.
Miller stated, "That's the key ... four starters in the first 44 that would be my goal."
The Jets traded Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee.
The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
The Buccaneers have 17 players who could become unrestricted free agents.
The free agency period begins on March 11, 2026.
The Buccaneers currently have over $11 million in cap space.
K'Lavon Chaisson had 7.5 sacks in 2025.
Devin Bush recorded 3 interceptions and 125 tackles in 2025.
Isaiah Likely averaged 8.5 yards per target in 2025.
John Franklin-Myers had 7.5 sacks in 2025.
Tyler Allgeier scored 8 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
Chidobe Awuzie had a -7.2% completion rate over expected allowed in 2025.
WHERE:
NFL Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2026 NFL Draft location: Pittsburgh.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training facility: AdventHealth Training Center.
WHEN:
NFL Scouting Combine occurred on February 26, 2026.
Free agency begins on March 11, 2026.
2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April 23-25, 2026.
WHY:
The Jets aim to build their team infrastructure and find potential starters in the draft.
The Buccaneers are looking to fill roster needs with potential free agents due to cap restrictions.
HOW:
The Jets plan to utilize their draft picks to build a competitive team for the future.
The Buccaneers are considering free agents with estimated average annual values below $10 million to fit their budget.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, and the New York Jets are looking to make a significant impact with four picks among the first 44 selections, including the second and sixteenth overall. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller emphasized that the Jets' goal should be to secure four starters with those early picks, especially after trading Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for free agency, which begins on March 11, as they have 17 players potentially hitting the market and over $11 million in cap space to address their roster needs.