Jason Licht confident about finding leaders to replace Mike Evans, Lavonte David

Q: Who are the key players stepping up as leaders for the Buccaneers after Mike Evans and Lavonte David left?

Key players stepping up include Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea, and Antoine Winfield, along with new additions like Alex Anzalone and Kenneth Gainwell.

Q: What impact did Mike Evans' departure to the 49ers have on the Buccaneers' leadership?

Mike Evans' departure has prompted the Buccaneers to seek new leaders, but General Manager Jason Licht remains confident in the existing core of players to fill those roles.

Q: How many seasons did Mike Evans and Lavonte David serve as captains for the Buccaneers?

Mike Evans served as a captain for 12 seasons, while Lavonte David served for 9 seasons before their departures.

The Buccaneers had six captains in 2025. It was the 12th season for wide receiver Mike Evans to wear the "C" on his jersey and the ninth for linebacker Lavonte David.

Evans left for the 49ers in free agency, and David retired.

It has raised the question of who will step up into leadership roles to replace them.

Genera Manager Jason Licht is not concerned, with Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield all returning.

"I feel strongly about this group of guys and the leadership that we have, starting with the quarterback," Licht said Wednesday, via the team website. "We have got Tykee [Smith], Calijah [Kancey], the entire offensive line, Bucky [Irving]. God forbid I leave out Vita. He's been around for a long time, but in his own way, he has a lot of leadership. I think some of the players that we added with Alex [Anzalone] and Kenneth [Gainwell] and Miles [Killebrew] and I think all of those guys have been really good leaders so that will help supplement what we have."

The Buccaneers will announce their captains before the start of the season.