Breaking news:Jacksonville Jaguars coach drops a message on leaving after next matche due to......

The Buccaneers hope to train together in 2024 with the Dolphins and Jaguars.

NFL: December 24 Jaguars vs. Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs engages in pass-blocking duties during the regular-season game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 24, 2023, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Image credit: Cliff Welch | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

By Maura Carey | mcarey@lonestarlive.com

While most U.S. states are fortunate to have just one NFL franchise, states like Florida and California are doubly lucky with three teams each. Capitalizing on their proximity, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are aiming to make the most of their neighboring rivals this preseason by proposing joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to Fox Sports’ NFC South reporter Greg Auman, the Buccaneers are looking to host the Dolphins for joint practices before their scheduled matchup at Raymond James Stadium. Subsequently, the team, under the leadership of Todd Bowles, would head to Jacksonville for joint practices ahead of their second preseason game against the Jaguars. However, the proposal is currently pending league approval.

The Buccaneers last engaged in preseason action against a fellow Florida team in 2022, when they hosted the Dolphins for their final game before the regular season. Miami secured a 26-24 victory, with then-backup quarterback Skyler Thompson impressing by completing 20-of-28 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. Three years earlier, the Buccaneers visited Miami for a preseason clash, emerging victorious with a 16-14 win.

In 2020, a scheduled preseason encounter between the Buccaneers and Jaguars in late August was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the teams had previously met in preseason two years prior, with the Jaguars prevailing over Tampa Bay with a score of 25-10.

Preseason games are often considered of minimal significance, particularly as star players are often benched to mitigate the risk of injury. In contrast, joint practices are seen as valuable opportunities for players to compete at a high level.