The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making more changes to their roster as competition intensifies ahead of the 2026 season.
The Bucs signed safety Robert McDaniel and running back Barika Kpeenu. Tampa Bay also waived defensive back Marcus Banks and running back Kadarius Calloway.
Banks spent time on Tampa Bay’s roster on and off between 2024 and 2026. He spent the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons on the practice squad.
Banks played multiple positions during his time with Tampa Bay. That included both safety roles and some nickel cornerback work.
However, Banks only appeared in one game for the Buccaneers. His departure creates another opportunity for someone else within the secondary.
Calloway signed with Tampa Bay following the 2026 NFL Draft. He remained on the roster throughout all offseason workouts to this point.
Calloway played in Tampa Bay’s lone preseason game. He recorded eight carries for 13 yards, averaging just 1.6 yards per carry.
A New Big-Bodied Safety
McDaniel entered the NFL as an undrafted safety from Jackson State in 2025. He signed with the Washington Commanders following the 2025 NFL Draft.
McDaniel spent the entirety of last season on Washington’s practice squad. He later signed a futures deal following the 2025 season.
At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, McDaniel gives Tampa Bay another big-bodied safety option. He can now compete for a practice squad or 53-man roster spot.
McDaniel joins a safety competition featuring J.J. Roberts, Xavier Williams and Rashad Wisdom. Miles Killebrew and Ifeatu Melifonwu are also battling for roster spots.
Kpeenu Brings Production From North Dakota State
Kpeenu spent his entire college career at North Dakota State. His best season came in 2025.
That season, Kpeenu rushed for 1,005 yards on 191 attempts. He also scored 20 rushing touchdowns and recorded 20 receptions.
Kpeenu added 247 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown during his 2025 campaign. He was also named First-team All-MVFC that season.
Additionally, Kpeenu was part of two FCS National Championship teams. He won those championships with North Dakota State in 2021 and 2024.
Kpeenu was also teammates with Bucs starting offensive guard Cody Mauch from 2021 through 2022. Now, he joins Josh Williams in Tampa Bay’s running back competition.
Kpeenu will compete for a practice squad spot or 53-man roster position. That could become especially relevant if Tampa Bay carries four running backs into 2026.
Both Players Face an Uphill Battle
Time will tell whether McDaniel or Kpeenu can crack Tampa Bay’s roster. Both players have limited time to make an impact.
They also face competition from players who have already established themselves with the Buccaneers. That makes every upcoming opportunity especially important.
For now, both players have another chance to prove they belong in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers will determine whether either player has done enough to stick around.
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