The Tampa Bay Buccaneers significantly invested in improving their secondary depth this offseason, both through the draft and free agency, after injuries and a lack of depth plagued the defensive unit in 2024.
One of the many new faces brought in was veteran cornerback Kindle Vildor, who is hoping to compete for a depth role in the new-look Tampa Bay secondary. Vildor played in all 17 games for the Lions in 2024 and has drawn praise from Bowles, who called him a “jack of all trades.” His NFL experience and versatility could give him a leg up in a crowded battle for backup spots.
“He takes great notes. He understands it one time when you tell him. He can play either side, he can play nickel. He’ll be valuable on [special] teams, hopefully,” said head coach Todd Bowles at his press conference. “He does everything right. You don’t ever notice him making a big splash but when you look up, he’s always in the right place, and that’s important.”
With Bowles noting that Vildor can play in different spots, and with him currently listed as the No. 3 nickel on the team’s unofficial depth chart, he may already have an edge over some of the other depth corners. His ability to line up both outside and inside could prove to be the difference maker in a defense that places a premium on versatility.
Improved depth sets up intense training camp cornerback battle for Buccaneers
Despite the praise from Bowles, Vildor will have his work cut out for him if he wants to make the roster, which only speaks to the job the front office did in overhauling the secondary this offseason.
The Buccaneers are returning cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum, who are currently penciled in as the starting outside cornerbacks.
On Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame and Jacob Parrish out of Kansas State.
Morrison is expected to push Dean for a starting cornerback role, especially with Dean’s struggles to remain healthy throughout his career. In fact, Morrison is already getting first-team reps in training camp.
Parrish is expected to start as the nickel cornerback with last year’s nickel Tykee Smith making the transition to safety. But Bowles insists Parrish will still get to compete for reps at outside cornerback as well, where he played primarily in college.
Those four are locks to make the roster, and the real competition begins behind them at the bottom of the depth chart. Last season, the Buccaneers kept just five outside cornerbacks on the first iteration of their 53-man roster, and with four spots seemingly secured, the competition for the remaining spots will be very intense.
Bryce Hall, who the Bucs signed away from the New York Jets last offseason, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 of 2024, but Tampa Bay gave him another chance with a one-year extension this offseason.
The former fifth-round pick has appeared in 40 career games, including 26 starts. Over that span, he’s recorded 122 tackles, including five for loss, along with 21 passes defensed, two interceptions, four sacks and a fumble recovery. Hall has had a strong offseason, and if he stays healthy, it would be surprising if he doesn’t land a roster spot.
Josh Hayes, a sixth-round pick in 2023, appeared in 15 games last season for Tampa Bay and is also vying for one of the final few roster spots in the secondary. Hayes really struggled in coverage at times, and was the frequent target of opposing offenses whenever he saw the field.
However, he did shine as a tackler and run stopper—Pro Football Focus gave Hayes a 90.0 run defense grade, which ranked No. 3 out of 222 qualifying cornerbacks in 2024. He may be best suited for a special teams contributor role at the NFL level, which is certainly valuable, but may not be enough to stick in such a crowded cornerback room.
Tyrek Funderburk, an undrafted free agent in 2024, is also competing for one of the final roster spots. He appeared in 13 games last season, making two starts. Barring an incredibly strong rest of his offseason, Funderburk is likely headed for the practice squad in 2025 with all of the new additions to the cornerback room.
The final cornerback currently listed on the Buccaneers depth chart is undrafted rookie Roman Parodie. Parodie had an impressive college career, recording 124 total tackles, three interceptions and 28 passes defended.
Parodie will almost certainly be one of the odd men out due to the sheer volume of the position room and his lack of experience. But a strong offseason could help him land on the practice squad.
With McCollum, Dean, Parrish, and Morrison all but locked into their roster spots, it will be a tall task for the remaining cornerbacks to earn their spots. Hall, Vildor, and Hayes seem to be the top three candidates for that fifth and final cornerback spot, with Hall having the inside track to the job.
But Bowles has been highly impressed with Vildor, who brings a lot of experience. If his strong performance continues, perhaps he can convince the Buccaneers to carry six cornerbacks entering 2025.
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