Now that the 2025 NFL draft has concluded, it’s time for draft picks to decide on their new jersey numbers.
Famously enough, there are players who ask legends of their new teams if they can wear their retired number, such as Cam Ward with the Tennessee Titans who got a blessing from Warren Moon to where his number one jersey while Abdul Carter got shut down by Lawrence Taylor to wear number 56.
With that being said, which current Buccaneers players will have their jersey numbers retired at the end of their careers? We have some ideas.
Mike Evans
When you’re the greatest offensive player in the franchise you have played your entire career for, not named Tom Brady, and lead the team in every receiving statistic, your number should be retired. Remember that Evans is tied with legend Jerry Rice as the only two players in NFL history to start their careers with 11 straight seasons of 1,000 yards, so it’s just another reason your number will live on forever.
Mike Evans is not only a fan favorite but is considered one of, if not the best, to ever put on red and pewter.
Lavonte David
Alongside Mike Evans, Lavante David is the epitome of a Buccaneer. This is so much so that the facility has an outline of Lavonte David, and they use him as a standard when evaluating future players to draft. Culminate that character with his play on the field, where he stands among the great with over 1,000 tackles and has statistically put up better career numbers than his draft mates and future Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner.
Number 54 should only be worn by one man and one man in Bucs history.
Tristan Wirfs
This one is a bit early, but I just have a feeling that one of the biggest athletic freaks in the history of the NFL, who has dominated and been the best of his position both on the left and right side of the offensive line, is destined for greatness. Wirfs has graded out as the top three in his position nearly every year and has made the switch to left tackle from the right side seem as easy as changing clothes: effortless, clean, and seamless. Wirfs has a chance to be not only great but legendary at the rate he is going with his career trajectory.
He is shaping up to be not just one of the best Bucs ever, but one of the best players ever, period.