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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Owner Joel Glazer Confirms Plans to Extend Four Key Players

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer has confirmed that the organization plans to move forward with contract extensions for four key players, pending successful negotiations. This decision reflects the Bucs’ commitment to maintaining a strong core as they continue to build for the future, particularly with an eye on Super Bowl contention in the 2026 season.

At the top of the list is quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is not eligible for a rookie extension but is a top candidate for an extension. Mayfield, who has been a strong performer and an MVP candidate early in the season, has played a crucial role in the Bucs' offensive resurgence. With his current contract set to expire in 2026 and a cap hit of $51.9 million, the Bucs are exploring options to restructure or extend his deal to free up cap space. Analysts predict a new deal could be worth $53-60 million AAV over four years, with the Bucs likely focusing on Mayfield’s continued performance and leadership.

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Tight end Cade Otton is another priority for the Bucs. Otton, who is eligible for an extension after completing his rookie contract, has been a solid starter at tight end, contributing both in receiving and blocking. His chemistry with Mayfield has been a key asset for the offense, and with the Bucs looking to maintain depth at the tight end position, especially if Ko Kieft becomes a free agent, Otton’s extension is a natural move. Sources suggest a deal in the range of $8-12 million AAV if the extension is finalized.

Wide receiver Mike Evans, whose current two-year, $41 million extension (2024-2025) with $35 million guaranteed will expire after the 2025 season, is also a focal point for the Bucs. Evans will become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. Despite his contract nearing its end, Evans has continued to be a vital part of the Bucs’ offensive lineup, and the team will likely look to extend his stay in Tampa Bay with a new deal before he hits the open market.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans leaves game early against the Lions | Bucs Nation

On the defensive side, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, a first-round pick in 2023, is eligible for the fifth-year option, which must be decided by May 1, 2026. Kancey, who has been an elite interior pass rusher with high PFF grades, was activated from IR recently. The Bucs will look to either exercise the fifth-year option or negotiate a long-term extension that could save cap space while ensuring Kancey remains part of the team’s defensive core alongside Vita Vea. Spotrac and Pewter Report have ranked Kancey as one of the top extension candidates for 2026.

None of these contracts have been finalized, but all four players have been informed they are part of the Buccaneers’ future. Talks are expected to intensify as the offseason progresses.

US Destroys Iran's Attack Capabilities as Iranian Military Showcases Weapon Strength
The ongoing military standoff between the United States and Iran has escalated further, as the US claims to have destroyed several key Iranian military targets, while Iran continues to showcase its advanced weapons to assert its military power. In one of the latest developments, a submarine of the Iranian Navy was destroyed by US forces using the short-range ATACM ballistic missile as part of Operation Epic Fury. This move is part of the US strategy to weaken Iran’s military capabilities in the Middle East. Additionally, the US is deploying a landing strike group, including reconnaissance Marines, to bolster its presence in the region. This move comes amidst rising concerns about Iran’s growing military activities. However, Iran is not standing idle. The Iranian military has released videos showing underground tunnels filled with suicide drones, along with secret "firepower city" military facilities. These drones were launched from various locations, both during the day and at night, as part of Tehran’s retaliation against the US and Israel. In addition to the suicide drones, Iran has claimed to possess a massive stockpile of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which could be used to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and launch attacks on multiple critical targets across the Gulf region. These weapons are reportedly stored in underground facilities, making it difficult for the US to detect and eliminate Iran’s military capabilities completely. Furthermore, Iran is said to possess explosive-laden unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) designed for suicide attacks on ships. Due to their small size and fast mobility, these USVs are challenging to detect and defend against, especially during nighttime operations. Despite the US claiming to have destroyed Iran’s offensive capabilities, military experts believe Tehran still retains the ability to effectively control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The US has used long-range missiles such as the ATAC MS and PSM in attacks on Iranian military targets, including warships and supply depots. General Dan Ken, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the importance of artillery forces in the ongoing operation. He stated that US artillery units, including those from the Army and Marine Corps, have accurately struck several key Iranian targets, including at least one submarine of the Russian-made Kilo class. In the first 13 days of the operation, US artillery achieved a historic milestone by using the PSM missile for the first time in actual combat, deep inside Iranian territory. These actions not only pressure Iran but also have significant ramifications for the Strait of Hormuz, where oil transportation activities could be severely disrupted, leading to oil prices reaching their highest levels since July 2022. The US continues to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East, with additional warships and landing forces expected to carry out further attacks on Iran. However, given Iran’s powerful military capabilities and its control over the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran remains a formidable challenge to US military strategies in the region.