In his first interaction with the media, new Bucs safety Keanu Neal confirmed that he will be moving back to his natural position with the team. After two breakout seasons, injuries unfortunately derailed the former Pro Bowler in 2018 and 2019. A torn ACL and Achilles injury in his third and fourth seasons put a halt to the building momentum and career trajectory for the former first rounder.

Neal bounced back in his fifth and final season with the Falcons with another 100-tackle performance. He parlayed that into a one-year, $5 million contract to join the Dallas Cowboys. However, Neal didn’t sign on at his natural position. After following his former head coach Dan Quinn to Dallas, where he became the defensive coordinator, the 26-year old was asked to make a position switch to linebacker.

The experiment didn’t go as hoped, and Neal is just happy to be back playing safety where he began his career.

“I’m definitely excited to be back to where it all started,” Neal said. “This is my natural position. This is where I thrive. Linebacker was different, but going back to safety is definitely what I’m excited about.”

A Physical And Versatile Playmaker

Neal is excited to bring the physical presence he has been known for over his career to Tampa Bay. As a player who has excelled delivering big hits and playing stout run defense, working his way back down into the box is something he enjoys.

Bucs S Keanu Neal – Photo Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

“I obviously thrive down there,” Neal said. “I enjoy being in the box and playing aggressive, making my presence felt.”

However, Neal knows that in Todd Bowles defensive schemes he demands versatility out of his players. The former Gator will be asked to play multiple roles in Tampa Bay. But that is what drew him to sign with the Bucs in the first place.

“I love it,” Neal said on needing to be versatile. “That’s one of the reasons why I decided to come here. Like I said, he’s [Bowles] a mastermind with what he does. And I’m excited to see what he can cook up for sure.”

The Bucs are surely excited to see what Neal can bring to this defense as well. After losing Jordan Whitehead in free agency, it appears as if Neal is ready to step into that role as the hard-hitting enforcer in the secondary. If he can stay healthy, the Bucs may have landed themselves a stud.