With foundational pieces like YaYa Diaby and Cody Mauch entering walk years, Tampa Bay must navigate high-stakes extensions and Calijah Kancey’s durability concerns to keep its core intact.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wound up with a pretty solid draft class in 2023.
In the first and third rounds, the Bucs drafted Calijah Kancey and YaYa Diaby, both of whom have turned into foundational pieces of their defense. In between, Tampa drafted Cody Mauch, who immediately won the starting job at right guard.
Even in later rounds, Tampa managed to find players who would develop into significant contributors. SirVocea Dennis, taken in the fifth round, has become a starting linebacker for the Bucs. Their other fifth-round pick, TE Payne Durham, has carved out a depth role on offense. A round later, the Bucs drafted CB Josh Hayes, who has become a core player on Special Teams.
Tampa's other two sixth-round selections are no longer with the team.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Bucs are facing several important upcoming contract decisions with most of their 2023 draft class.
Several Members Of 2023 Class Entering Contract Year
2026 is a contract year for most of the Bucs' 2023 class. Only Kancey, who had the fifth-year option on his rookie deal exercised on April 27, is under contract beyond this season. The five other 2023 draftees will all be free agents after the upcoming season unless they agree to extensions.
Plus, even though he is under contract through 2027, the Bucs also must decide on Kancey's long-term future with the club. After a stellar first two seasons, Kancey missed most of the 2025 season with injury, bringing his total of missed games to 20 over his three seasons in Tampa.
Kancey must prove that is capable of staying on the field for a full season before the Bucs should be willing to commit to a mega-deal for Kancey. However, if Kancey plays to his potential in 2026 and 2027, the price to keep him will only skyrocket.
Diaby and Mauch Must Be Priorities
Out of the five members of the class entering their walk year, Diaby and Mauch must be Tampa's priorities to retain. Diaby has played well-above his third-round pedigree, and lead the Bucs with seven sacks in 2025. Diaby, paired with star rookie Rueben Bain Jr., could give Tampa a lethal pair of pass rushers, both of whom are also good against the run, for the foreseeable future.
Mauch, meanwhile, made a huge leap from 2023 to 2024. His emergence helped Tampa field one of the NFL's best offensive lines in 2024. Unfortunately, Mauch's 2025 season was cut short after a torn meniscus suffered in Week 2. However, Mauch is healthy entering 2026 and should be back to being one Tampa's most-trusted linemen.
Others Can Also Remain In Tampa
Both Durham and Hayes have clearly defined roles with the Bucs, and could also earn extensions in the near future. While only playing minimal snaps on defense, Hayes is one of Tampa's best special-teams players, providing solid value at the back of the roster.
Durham saw the field for 41% of Tampa's offensive snaps in 2024 and 31% last year, proving that he has earned the trust of the coaching staff.
Dennis, on the other hand, may not be in the Bucs' long-term plans. After struggling in 2025, Dennis saw the team make several upgrades at linebacker. A starter only a year ago, Dennis will have to show improvement to see significant snaps in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Bucs still have the entire season to decide which members of their 2023 draft class will be offered extensions. However, that time will go quickly. Tampa should start negotiating with the players they wish to retain soon, or they will risk losing plenty of talent in 2027.
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