Bucs' Punter Decision Looms: Keep Dixon or Let Him Go?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are evaluating punter Riley Dixon's contract for the 2026 season. Dixon has a club option for $3 million, which the team must decide whether to exercise or allow him to become a free agent. His 2025 performance was a mixed bag, marked by struggles partly attributed to a weak special teams unit that saw two of his punts blocked early in the season.

Despite an uneven year, where he finished 26th in net yards per punt and tied for 12th in touchbacks, there's optimism for improvement. With a new special teams coordinator, Danny Smith, Dixon might benefit from a coaching change. He also demonstrated skill by finishing top five in the league for downing punts inside the 20-yard line, with 29 such kicks.

Ultimately, the Buccaneers are considering whether to give Dixon another chance, betting on his experience and potential to rebound. His veteran presence could be valuable, and improvements to the surrounding special teams unit might unlock better performance. This decision comes as the team navigates a busy free agency period with numerous other contract decisions to make.