The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a period of reflection and recalibration after missing the playoffs in 2025. With a keen eye on the cornerback position, head coach Todd Bowles is making strategic moves to bolster the team's defense.
The departure of longtime starter Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers has left a noticeable gap in the Bucs' secondary. Bowles is candid about the team's intentions to strengthen this area during the offseason.
“We definitely need another cornerback,” Bowles stated. “Whether it's a veteran or whether it's a draftable pick remains to be seen and we'll kind of go from there.
But we like to add one or two to the mix.”
The need for reinforcement is underscored by Tampa Bay's 27th-place finish in passing defense last season, where they allowed an average of 238.2 yards per game. Clearly, the Buccaneers are looking for solutions that will serve them well both now and in the future.
Currently, Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison are penciled in as the starting outside cornerbacks, with Jacob Parrish handling duties on the inside. However, these roles could shift depending on who the Bucs bring in.
McCollum's 2025 season saw him start 13 games, tallying 65 tackles, six passes defended, and an interception. Parrish, appearing in all 17 games and starting five, contributed 76 tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions.
Meanwhile, Morrison, a second-round pick in 2025, made 10 appearances with three starts, defending four passes. The Buccaneers may be looking for Morrison to step up and make a significant impact.
While the specific targets for the Buccaneers remain under wraps, Bowles has indicated that both the draft and free agency are on the table. Fans should keep an eye out for new additions to the cornerback lineup as the offseason progresses.