The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to adjust their roster for the new season and have decided to keep one of their most physical players. The team has re-signed tight end Ko Kieft to a one-year contract, a move that was announced on social media by general manager Jason Licht himself
The renewal comes after a difficult season for Kieft. The tight end suffered a broken leg in Week 3 during the win against the New York Jets, an injury that caused him to miss the final 14 games of the 2025 season.
Even so, Tampa Bay has decided to give him another chance to compete for a spot on the roster.
Open Competition
Kieft’s contract does not guarantee his presence on the final 53-man roster, so he will have to earn his spot during training camp.
The team currently has several options for that position:
- Payne Durham, a blocking specialist entering his contract year
- Devin Culp, a young option with potential
- Cade Otton, the main tight end of the attack
Furthermore, the Buccaneers could strengthen the position in the upcoming NFL Draft, where the tight end class is considered deep by several analysts.
A Key Special Teams Player
If there’s one thing that defines Ko Kieft within the team, it’s his blocking ability and his aggressiveness on special teams.
Since arriving in Tampa Bay as a sixth-round draft pick, his offensive role in the passing game has been minimal:
- 15 targets in four seasons
- 8 receptions
- 82 yards
- 2 touchdowns
However, his coaches have always highlighted his toughness and work ethic, two qualities that perfectly fit the physical style the team seeks
Former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard described it this way when the player was placed on the injured list:
“You can’t replace Ko because of who he is as a person. He’s an enforcer. He’s one of those players who does the dirty work.”
A “Tone-Setter”
Head coach Todd Bowles also emphasized the impact his absence had when he suffered the injury.
For the coach, Kieft was one of the toughest players on the team and a true indicator of the physical tone of the attack, especially in heavy running packages like the “12 personnel” .
His ability to block and open holes in the running game was so highly valued that Bowles came to regard his injury as a major loss to the offense during the season.
Value Over Stats
Although Kieft’s receiving numbers aren’t impressive, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers value other facets of his game, blocking, intensity, leadership, and special teams .
That’s why the team will give him another chance in 2026. His contract is short and without guarantees, but enough to show that he can recover his level after the injury and continue to be one of the most physical players on the team.
Training camp will decide whether Ko Kieft earns a roster spot again or if the Buccaneers opt for a new direction at the tight end position.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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