Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum has something to prove this season. After receiving a three-year extension in 2025, his production fell short of expectations last season.

McCollum played in 13 games and only saw one interception despite having the opportunity to record more. And just as unfortunately, McCollum was called out by head coach Todd Bowles for looking “bored” at times last season. So not only were there struggles, but he was also publicly exploited for it.

During OTAs McCollum acknowledged the down year that he had, discussing the importance of discipline going into a new season where he can turn the page and wipe the slate clean.

Bucs’ Zyon McCollum Focusing On Eye Discipline

“There’s gonna be boring times out there at corner,” he said. “Everyone’s gonna get some action, so when your number isn’t getting called, you gotta hold it down for the rest of the defense. Just do your job and fight that boredom.”

Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With more depth in the secondary room that including the likes of McCollum, Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison at corner along with Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, rookie Keionte Scott and a returning J.J. Roberts at safety, coach Todd Bowles has a lot of talent to work with.

There was an emphasis on strengthening the Bucs defense this offseason, so being on the field won’t necessarily mean getting to be the hero. McCollum has been working to fight boredom and he’s doing that by putting an emphasis on training his mind every rep.

He has been heavily focused on training his eye discipline and working with his newly promoted cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson  to get better. Johnson is entering his fifth season in Tampa Bay, but his first season as cornerbacks coach. McCollum and Johnson actually came to Tampa together, and they’ve been hitting the film room together to get help get the best of the starting corner.

Bucs CBs coach Rashad Johnson and CB Zyon McCollum – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Pulling up some old film and seeing the only reason you did this is because of those eyes and the reason you won this rep is because of your eyes.” McCollum said. “So we’re working a lot and it’s starting to get to the point to where it’s muscle memory.”

Going into year two of his extension, McCollum is looking to translate this offseason grind into a major bounce back. He needs it for himself, but the Bucs really need it, too.

McCollum Has Become The Oldest Buc In The CB Room

The 2026 season becomes even more unique as McCollum is now the longest-tenured player in the cornerback room. The elder statesman has found himself in a leadership role, particularly with soon to be second year corners Parrish and Morrison, and has used his own experiences, good and bad, to guide the younger players.

Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I’m always just going to be myself and bring guys along,” McCollum said. “I’ve seen pretty much every situation. I’ve been in big games, lost some bad games, you know, so I have some experience that I’m just offering them.”

McCollum was recently on an episode of the Pewter Report Podcast where he talked more about the secondary struggles and how the overall attitude of the team has adjusted going into this season.

Check out the episode and subscribe to Pewter Report’s YouTube channel, PewterReportTV for more Bucs related content.

– Story written by Pewter Report’s Kat Beutel