Buccaneers name captains for the 2026 season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected their team captains for the 2026 season, with six veterans earning the honor through a vote by their teammates.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, tackle Tristan Wirfs, wide receiver Chris Godwin, nose tackle Vita Vea, linebacker Alex Anzalone and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will wear the captain's "C" this season.

Mayfield, Wirfs, Vea and Winfield return as captains from the 2025 team. Godwin returns to the role after previously serving as a captain in 2023, while Anzalone joins the leadership group in his first season with Tampa Bay after serving as a captain during each of his five seasons with the Detroit Lions.

The changes come after two longtime Buccaneers captains departed during the offseason. Lavonte David retired after 14 seasons with Tampa Bay, while Mike Evans signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.

Tampa Bay opens the regular season Sunday on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium for Week 1.