Most of the Bucs’ offseason was centered around bringing back their own, which Tampa Bay did in droves. If you were going to look at one or two positional groups that is refreshed and revamped the most, it would have to be the secondary.

Their best player, free safety Antoine Winfield Jr, became the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history following a recent extension. The Bucs’ biggest “new” addition was a familiar face in strong safety Jordan Whitehead, who helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV in 2020.

Let’s not forgot that many are high on rookie safety/nickelback Tykee Smith, the team’s third-round pick, as well. This is such an improved safety room from a year ago that it’s even got cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross gushing over a position that he technically doesn’t even coach, but does work with hand-in-hand.

Bucs Have “Heat-Seeking Missiles” At Safety

Bucs SS Jordan Whitehead – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“We missed Jordan,” Bucs cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross said about the return of strong safety Jordan Whitehead this offseason. “I can tell you that Jordan was the engine that actually, to me, the Super Bowl year, he was the guy that initiated this contact. We now have heat-seeking missiles back there, so people better be careful. I like what we got. I like this year’s secondary. I shouldn’t say (like) – I love this year’s secondary.”

The hope for the Bucs is the reunion of Whitehead with the All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. restores some of the punch that Tampa Bay had in 2020 and 2021. Whitehead is tapped as a more physical safety in the league that can help stop the run, but since he went to the Jets he’s been able to show off more of his coverage ability as well, evidenced by a career-high four interceptions last year.

The reality is that the Bucs had been looking for someone to fill the void left when Whitehead departed, and it took signing him again to fill it. Add in playmaking rookie Tykee Smith to either play nickel or some sort of rotation in the secondary and the Bucs have tons of speed and athleticism on the back end.

Big Season Could Be In Store For Zyon McCollum

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

Cornerback was also addressed with big moves this year. Carlton Davis III was traded to Detroit in large part because of the confidence the team has in third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum, who will be potentially starting opposite Jamel Dean. McCollum will need to hold off a challenge from newcomers Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas, who will also be factors in the Bucs’ defensive plans.

Still young in his career as he enters his third season, McCollum has plenty of starting experience including nine starts last year while filling in for starters Davis and Dean while they were injured, but he’s never been assigned as a starter for a full year. This is a huge season for McCollum, who he can help establish himself as a reliable, every game starter. He’s also still looking for his first career interception, which will help his cause.

“Zyon put his hands on some footballs, he filled in nicely,” Ross said. “He showed that he can play on this level. I expect him to take the next step. Consistency is the big thing and not giving up any crazy plays. We believe in him. We believe in our backups as well.”

When McCollum started last season, he would play each side of the field as he was subbing in sporadically for Davis and Dean. He even played safety in the opening playoff game because the team asked him to. This 2024 season he’ll have the benefit of staying in one spot – left cornerback replacing Davis – to help him even more.

“Zyon can take a lot, he can do a lot,” Ross said. “We try to take advantage of his talent. This is true – this will be the first year he will settle in at corner and we’ll see how well he plays there and go from there.”

New Bucs Free Agent Signings Will Also Play A Role

Bucs CB Bryce Hall – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Zyon McCollun isn’t just going to be handed the starting outside cornerback job. Newcomer Bryce Hall will have something to say about that and the Bucs view him as a starter. He was a starter with the Jets in 2021, starting all 17 games and could very much do so again. It’ll at least make for great competition and better depth than the Bucs have had.

“Bryce Hall is a legit starter – I think – in this league,” Ross said. “Prepares well, very focused and knows what he’s doing. Knows where his help is and things like that.”

Tampa Bay has also upgraded at nickelback. There will be competition for the slot cornerback role between Christian Izien, Tykee Smith and Tavierre Thomas. Ross gave his opinion on what Thomas brings to the Bucs this season.

“Very physical player,” Ross said. “Will compete for the nickel job as well as the safety job, he should bring some good intensity to that position as well.”