The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a major shift in their 2026 schedule following a blockbuster trade in the NFC.
Elite pass rusher Myles Garrett has been traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams, as reported by Sports.
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This high-profile roster move directly alters when Tampa Bay will test their offensive line against the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Instead of meeting Garrett early in the regular season during a Week 2 matchup, the Buccaneers will now clash with him in Week 17.
The transition significantly changes the competitive landscape for the Buccaneers.
Rather than facing a rebuilding Cleveland squad in September, Tampa Bay must now prepare for a star-studded Los Angeles defense during the critical final stretch of the season.
Garrett remains a dominant force capable of disrupting entire offensive schemes without requiring blitz support.
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This creates a challenging scenario for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who operates best when given a clean pocket by his protectors.
Pivotal Late-Season Showdown
The Week 17 encounter carries heavy postseason implications for both franchises.
The Buccaneers aim to secure the NFC South crown, while the Rams look to solidify their status as top Super Bowl contenders in the conference.
What originally appeared to be a difficult early test has transformed into a high-stakes battle.
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The late-season matchup will likely impact playoff seeding as Tampa Bay travels to face a dangerous Los Angeles team in one of the most vital weeks of the year.
