The Bucs have much of the starting secondary already in place for 2026 – but fixing it is another story. With the defensive backfield being an area in need of a serious rebound, one name sticks out as an unproven wildcard who has a chance to work into the mix at multiple positions.

JJ Roberts.

Roberts was well on his way to securing a 53-man roster spot after an impressive showing last summer throughout training camp and the preseason opener. He then had an unfortunate ending to his rookie season, suffering a season-ending knee injury last August. As the former undrafted free agent returns to full health for 2026, he will likely become Tampa Bay’s super sub in the secondary.

JJ Roberts Looked Like Every Part Of A UDFA Gem In 2025

Before succumbing to injury, JJ Roberts made quite the first impression in the Bucs’ secondary. During Tampa Bay’s preseason opener against the Titans, Roberts was one of the standouts in a 29-7 blowout victory. He finished the game tied for second with five tackles and had two passes defensed, with one landing in the hands of cornerback Tyrek Funderburk for an interception.

Bucs DB JJ Roberts and former CB Tyrek Funderburk – Photo by: IMAGN Images

Being targeted seven times, he allowed just one catch for 13 yards on 27 coverage reps. It was a noteworthy NFL debut, one that Real Bucs Talk’s Michael Pless and Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo broke down play-by-play.

Listed at an even 6-foot and 195 pounds, Roberts is a lankier defensive back with the tools to play multiple positions. He joined the Bucs after the team gave him a rather significant investment, giving him $300,000 guaranteed and signing him to a three-year, $2.995 million contract. The 24-year-old was immediately seen as a developmental piece that could be molded into more, and that is exactly what is in store for 2026.

How Does JJ Roberts Fit In Bucs 2026 Secondary Plans?

As it stands, the Bucs secondary is projected to feature Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison as the starting cornerbacks, with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith as the starting safeties. Throw in Jacob Parrish as the starting nickelback, where does JJ Roberts slot in exactly?

Well, think of him like a sixth man.

In the NBA, that is the first player to come off the bench, and someone who often provides a spark.

Bucs DB JJ Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Roberts can carve out a unique role, similar to the impact Christian Izien had in Tampa Bay. Izien started his rookie year at nickel, and when Smith came in to take that position over, he converted into more of a safety for the rest of his tenure.

Heading into this season, expect Roberts to fill in as a hybrid nickel/third safety with Izien leaving to sign with the Lions. With his athleticism and skillset, he has the speed and knack for the football to fit in the slot.

In his final year at Marshall in 2024, Roberts had 94 tackles and 14 passes defensed, putting together some impressive film the organization took a chance on. He has the ability to play with physicality as well as disrupt a quarterback’s line of fire. While Parrish will play a lot, he will also likely cameo as an outside cornerback, especially if McCollum and/or Morrison struggle or miss any time.

Head coach Todd Bowles has to get the secondary back on track, and that means playing his best defensive backs as much as possible. To see his vision through, it does mean gambling a bit on internal growth for the group to reach its ceiling. Having that strategy in mind should allow Roberts to get some playing time at nickel, even if that is 5-10 snaps a game. Another way to utilize him would be in dime packages as an extra cornerback or in three-safety looks in more passing situations.

Bucs DB JJ Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That would give Bowles freedom in play-calling, while also allowing players like Winfield and Smith to roam and be ballhawks on the backend. That kind of scheme, if occasionally deployed, could get Roberts on the field for another 5-10 snaps a game. Instead of keeping him off the field, he could begin to develop by playing 15-25% of the defensive snaps depending on the matchup. If Bowles likes what he sees, perhaps Roberts could help the secondary become an area of strength rather than the weakness it has been in recent years.

It does not sound like the largest role initially, but it could make just the right kind of impact now and allow him to build a foundation and carve out a long-term home. Regardless of how much JJ Roberts sees the field in 2026, there is optimism that he gives the Bucs secondary options. At minimum, Roberts is a quality depth piece, but he also has the tools to become the team’s latest versatile defensive back.