As the 2026 NFL season approaches, three key players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Chris Godwin Jr.—are in critical contract years. Vita Vea, a defensive tackle, is coming off a challenging season with 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a PFF grade of 72.8, but he has a history of strong performance, having recorded five or more sacks in three of the last four seasons. Calijah Kancey, also a defensive tackle, struggled with injuries last season, managing to play only three games due to a torn pectoral muscle. Despite this, he has shown promise with 7.5 sacks in 2024 and four sacks in 2023. Lastly, Chris Godwin Jr., a wide receiver, must prove himself as a leading target following Mike Evans' departure while dealing with his own injury history. He is competing with younger receivers for opportunities in the upcoming season. The Buccaneers have until May 1 to decide on Kancey’s fifth-year option, making this a pivotal year for all three players.