The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to be active in free agency with a less high-profile but potentially very important signing. The franchise has reached a one-year, $1.8 million agreement with veteran safety and special teams specialist Miles Killebrew.
The move is aimed directly at reinforcing one of the areas that has given Tampa Bay the most problems in recent years: special teams .
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Killebrew’s arrival also has a clear element of trust from the new special teams coordinator, Danny Smith. The two worked together for years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Smith led special teams for over a decade.
Killebrew was a key piece of that unit. Between 2023 and 2024, he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a special teams specialist , solidifying his status as one of the best players in the league in that role.
In those two seasons he accumulated 622 snaps on special teams , demonstrating his consistent impact in kick coverage and blocking.
An Elite Specialist In The NFL
Since entering the league in the 2016 Draft with the Detroit Lions, Killebrew has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s most aggressive and productive specialists.
Among its most notable figures:
- 4 blocked points, the highest number among active players.
- 86 tackles on special teams, fifth best record since joining the league.
- Special teams captain in Pittsburgh between 2022 and 2024.
- Two consecutive selections to the Pro Bowl as a specialist.
His ability to create big plays—especially kick blocks—fits perfectly with Danny Smith’s aggressive philosophy. During his time in Pittsburgh, units led by the coach blocked 21 kicks since 2013.
Recovery After His Knee Injury
The only question mark surrounding the signing is his physical condition. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Week 6 of the 2025 season with the Steelers.
However, forecasts indicate that the player should be ready to return to the field between May and June, in time for preseason activities.
If he manages to regain his form, the contract could become a real bargain for Tampa Bay, since his last deal with Pittsburgh was for two years and $6.5 million.
More Than Special Equipment
While his primary impact will be on special teams, Killebrew also provides depth at safety. With the departure of Christian Izien, who signed with the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay may need additional help in the secondary in certain defensive situations.
At 32 years old, with experience as captain and a reputation as a leader in the locker room, his signing also adds veteran presence to a unit seeking greater consistency.
A Necessary Change For Tampa Bay
Special teams have been a recurring weakness for the Buccaneers in recent seasons. With the arrival of Danny Smith and now a proven specialist like Miles Killebrew, the franchise seems determined to transform a historical weakness into a competitive advantage .
In a league where hidden yards and small details can decide games, having a playmaker on special teams could make the difference in more than one close game.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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