The Bucs are signing former Browns and Rams safety Richard LeCounte III after he worked out for the team on Tuesday. LeCounte entered the league as Cleveland’s fifth-round pick in 2021 after starring at Georgia.

The 5-foot-10, 196-pound safety fell in the draft due to a 4.79 time in the 40-yard dash, but proved to be a playmaker for the Bulldogs with eight interceptions, six fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles as a three-year starter.

The news was first reported by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman on X.

Bucs Adding A Safety With Some Experience

Bucs S Richard LeCounte – Photo by: USA Today

Although he doesn’t have a lot of playing experience, new Bucs safety Richard LeCounte III has played in 10 games at the NFL level in Cleveland, including one start. The Bucs have two experienced starters in Antoine Winfield Jr. and Ryan Neal at the safety position, but the position is void of experience outside of that dynamic duo.

Tampa Bay’s depth chart is littered with rookie safeties after Nolan Turner, a practice squad player from a year ago. Kaevon Merriweather, Christian Izien, Kedrick Whitehead and Avery Young, who was recently acquired, are all undrafted free agents.

LeCounte registered three tackles in limited action with the Browns. He was later released and signed with the Rams in January. Los Angeles released LeCounte on Monday and he flew to Tampa Bay for a tryout where he impressed the team.

LeCounte fills the roster spot created with the release of kicker Rodrigo Blankenship on Monday.