As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for training camp, the safety position appears to be one of the more stable groups on the roster.
The Buccaneers return one of the NFL’s premier safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr. while Tykee Smith enters his third season looking to build on a promising start in his first two years. Tampa Bay also added veteran Miles Killebrew during the offseason, giving the team another experienced presence in the secondary.
While the starters appear set, training camp will still feature important battles for depth and reserve roles.
Antoine Winfield Jr. Remains the Defensive Leader
Few players are more important to Tampa Bay’s defense than Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Pro Bowl safety continues to serve as the anchor of the secondary. His versatility allows Todd Bowles to deploy him in a variety of ways, whether that’s playing deep coverage, supporting against the run, or creating pressure near the line of scrimmage.
When Winfield is healthy and playing at a high level, the entire defense benefits.
The Buccaneers will once again rely on him to be the leader of the secondary in 2026.
Tykee Smith Ready for Year Three
One of the biggest reasons for optimism at safety is the development of Tykee Smith.
After carving out a significant role during his first two season, Smith enters training camp as the favorite to start at strong safety. The Buccaneers drafted him because of his versatility and playmaking ability, and he showed flashes of both during his first two years in Tampa Bay.
Now the challenge becomes consistency.
If Smith takes another step forward in his development, Tampa Bay could have one of the better safety tandems in the NFC.
Miles Killebrew Brings Valuable Experience
The Buccaneers made an underrated addition this offseason when they signed veteran Miles Killebrew.
While much of his impact is expected to come on special teams, Killebrew provides leadership and experience to both the safety room and the overall defense. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game makes him a valuable piece of the roster.
Training camp will provide an opportunity to see how Tampa Bay plans to utilize him defensively.
Depth Competition Bears Watching
Behind the projected starters, the Buccaneers have several players competing for roster spots and playing time.
Rashad Wisdom enters camp as an important depth option at free safety. The coaching staff will be looking for him to continue developing while providing reliable support behind Winfield.
Marcus Banks also enters camp with an opportunity to make an impression. After joining the organization on a reserve/futures contract, Banks will look to carve out a role on defense and special teams.
Strong performances throughout camp and the preseason could go a long way toward securing a place on the final roster.
Biggest Question Entering Camp
Can the Buccaneers develop reliable depth behind their starters?
The top of the safety room looks solid. Winfield and Smith give Tampa Bay a strong foundation, while Killebrew adds veteran experience.
The next step is determining which younger players can be trusted if injuries occur during the season.
Final Outlook
The Buccaneers enter training camp with plenty of confidence at safety.
Winfield remains one of the league’s top defenders, while Smith appears poised for a larger role in this season. Killebrew adds veteran leadership, and players like Wisdom and Banks will battle to strengthen the depth chart.
If the Buccaneers get the development they are hoping for from their younger safeties, this position group could become one of the strengths of the defense in 2026.
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