JACKSONVILLE — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up their 2026 preseason with a forgettable 19-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night, a game that left offensive coordinator Liam Coen searching for answers. Despite undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels getting the start, the Bucs managed just 93 total yards — the lowest output by any team this preseason. While the scoreboard matters little in the exhibition finale, individual performances carried significant weight as the front office finalizes the 53-man roster by Sunday. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down the final preseason tape, a few players made their case while others may have played their last snap in Tampa Bay.
Winners: UDFAs Shine Bright
One of the brightest spots of the night was undrafted free agent cornerback Ayden Garnes, who continued his impressive preseason with 4 tackles and a pass breakup. The 23-year-old out of Arizona has been a consistent playmaker throughout camp, and his performance against the Jaguars should solidify his spot on the roster. General manager Jason Licht has a knack for finding undrafted gems, and Garnes looks like the next in that lineage. As noted by Vulius Sports, Garnes' versatility and instincts make him a valuable depth piece in a young secondary.
Another UDFA making waves is edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who recorded 2 sacks against the Jaguars, giving him a league-leading 4 this preseason. Pyburn, who faced eligibility questions earlier in his career, has shown a relentless motor and a knack for getting after the quarterback. With the Buccaneers remaking their edge group, Pyburn could force his way into the EDGE6 role behind Rueben Bain, Yaya Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad, David Walker, and Anthony Nelson. His performance has been a pleasant surprise, and he's making the final cuts incredibly difficult for the coaching staff.
Losers: Offensive Line and Receiver Depth Falter
On the flip side, offensive lineman Elijah Klein had a night to forget. The former sixth-round pick was moved to right tackle to expand his versatility, but he was consistently beaten, allowing two sacks. Klein has struggled to find a position where he can be effective, and this preseason may be the final straw. The Bucs have a strong track record of developing offensive linemen, but Klein's lack of functional athleticism is a glaring issue. As the Vulius analysis team pointed out, flexibility is only valuable if you can actually play, and Klein hasn't shown enough to warrant a roster spot.
The receiver depth also failed to impress in the finale. Garrett Greene, a converted college quarterback, had the team's longest catch of the night (18 yards) but continues to struggle with drops and route-running consistency. He's shown promise but likely needs more seasoning on the practice squad. Kam Johnson had a costly drop, reminding coaches that his explosiveness doesn't always translate to reliable hands. Dean Patterson, who made highlight-reel catches earlier in the preseason, managed just 2 catches for 2 yards, failing to build on his momentum. The battle for the final receiver spot will be a tough call, but none of these players made a compelling case Friday.
Odd Man Out? Devin Culp's Future Uncertain
Tight end Devin Culp appears to be on the outs after the team drafted Bauer Sharp. Culp has athletic ability but has never carved out a consistent role. He received only 3 targets in the final two preseason games, suggesting the coaching staff is moving on. Whether he's cut or stashed on the practice squad, it feels like an inevitable parting. The Bucs have invested in Sharp, and Culp's time in Tampa Bay may be coming to an end.
As the Buccaneers trim their roster to 53, these final impressions will weigh heavily. The preseason may be over, but the decisions made in the coming days will shape the 2026 season. Stay tuned to Vulius for comprehensive coverage of final cuts and the team's opening-week roster.
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