6 NFL teams that won't return to the playoffs in 2023

6 NFL teams that won’t return to the playoffs in 2023

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins reacts during the second half of the game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 08: Baker Mayfield #17 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

NFL team not returning to the playoffs in 2023: Buccaneers

Let’s just be real here — this is the softest of soft-toss. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers — who are they kidding? They’re not making the playoffs this coming season barring something completely unexpected.

Right?

The Bucs have taken on water all offseason, starting with the substantial hole in the ship’s very foundation: The retirement of Tom Brady. The retirement of Brady set off a chain reaction which included cutting left tackle Donovan Smith, trading guard Shaq Mason, and plenty more.

This Bucs team had a losing record in 2022 and only managed to make it to the playoffs because of the manner in which they got to those eight victories, although just about any other NFC South team would have been more interesting in the postseason a year ago.

We’ll see how much of a “competition” it is this coming offseason between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. The former number one overall pick up against the former second-rounder out of Florida isn’t exactly riveting from a general NFL fan base perspective, but it’s going to be interesting to see what Mayfield can do after a little “rehab” stint in Sean McVay’s offense late last season.

New offensive coordinator Dave Canales brings a pretty similar brand of offense to Tampa, but we’ll have to wait and see just how beneficial it is for Mayfield. This might be Mayfield’s last real shot to put it together as an NFL starter before he becomes a career backup, and he’s got some weapons at his disposal, to be certain.

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