Buccaneers UDFA gem is making it impossible to keep him off the roster

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the NFL’s best teams when it comes to finding undrafted free agents who become contributors. 

Over the years, Jason Licht has discovered countless hidden gems that have carved out depth roles and become important pieces for the team. Some of those players include Christian Izien, Ben Chukwuma and Kaevon Merriweather, to name a few. 

It seems the Buccaneers have done it again. And I’m not talking about Jalon Daniels, who has won the hearts of Bucs Nation and is a near-lock for the 53-man roster. Cornerback Ayden Garnes looks like the latest undrafted free-agent steal by Tampa Bay. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck gold with CB Ayden Garnes 

Garnes was impressive throughout training camp, but it wasn’t until the preseason started that the undrafted rookie out of Arizona really got to showcase his ability.

In the preseason opener, Garnes’ pro debut, he made a tackle for loss on Jets’ star running back Breece Hall on the opening drive. He later returned an interception for a touchdown, giving Tampa Bay its first score of the preseason. 

Garnes had another strong showing in the second preseason game against the Chiefs, and he’s ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 10th-best rookie through two preseason games. 

Across 53 coverage snaps, he hasn’t given up a touchdown and has allowed just a 42.3 passer rating when targeted. In the process, he’s recorded an interception and a pass broken up. 

He’s carried that preseason success into joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, coming down with an interception against Trevor Lawrence on Wednesday. 

Todd Bowles spoke to reporters after practice and praised the impressive rookie, saying that “Garnes continues to make plays and get better.”

At this point, it would be a shock if Garnes didn’t make the 53-man roster. He’s been one of the team’s most impressive players throughout training camp, and provides valuable depth in a thin cornerback room. 

Entering training camp, cornerback was considered the biggest hole remaining on the roster. It was assumed the front office would eventually explore free agency to bring in a veteran, but the emergence of Garnes might have made that unnecessary. 

With Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, Garnes, and fellow standout Damarion “Pepe” Williams, the Buccaneers quietly have a promising young group. 

It’s hard to shake that feeling that the front office has done it again in undrafted free agency. Garnes seems like a player that could stick around and play a key depth role for this team.

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