- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,193,134
- Reaction score
- 59
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary is going to look, and play, different in 2026.
Rashad Johnson and Tim Atkins, Tampa's new cornerback and safety coaches, have both brought fresh voices and fresh techniques to the secondary. Head coach Todd Bowles has added some new wrinkles of his own to the defensive schemes.
All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is excited about the changes.
“We got some new stuff in,” Winfield said about the secondary. “I don’t know if I can share too much, but it’s been nice.”
Winfield was coy about the changes, not disclosing anything specific. He was, however, very obvious in his happiness about switching things up after a disappointing 2025 season for the Bucs secondary.
Winfield believes his biggest strength is his versatility, and he is looking forward to the schematic changes allowing that versatility to be put to use more often. He believes he is at his best when he can freely roam around the back of Tampa's defense.
The Bucs cornerback room is led by veteran Zyon McCollum, who is looking to rebound from a poor season. Second-year players Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison are looking to establish themselves as cornerstones of the defense.
Parrish, coming off a terrific rookie season, is making the switch from nickel to outside corner this year. Morrison, injured for much of his first campaign, is trying to show he can stay on the field in 2026, though that hope isn't off to a great start.
Talented rookie Keionte Scott will be taking over Parrish's role in the slot.
Winfield believes the talented group of corners will take a step forward this season, helping Winfield revert to his All-Pro form.
“Very hopeful,” Winfield said about returning to being an All-Pro. “My best skill set, I feel like, is my versatility, so being able to play everywhere is just what I like the most. I think that’ll definitely help with that.”
For a defense that no longer has Lavonte David, there is a need for someone to fill his leadership void. Winfield recognizes that he will be looked upon to help fill that void, and he was asked about it after Wednesday's minicamp practice.
“Those are some big shoes to fill right there,” Winfield said about David's retirement. “It’s been great; I’ve just been enjoying the process of my role and my position on the team. Obviously, without those guys, other people need to step up, including myself. I’m just going to honor that role and just do the best that I can.”
It will be interesting to see what kinds of changes have been injected into the secondary this season. Even after the loss of top corner Jamel Dean, Winfield is confident that the secondary will take a step forward in 2026.
Winfield believes the adjustments being made in Tampa's defensive backfield will allow him to do what he does best.
If Winfield can get back to being one of the top safeties in the league, Tampa's defense can be downright scary this season.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Rashad Johnson and Tim Atkins, Tampa's new cornerback and safety coaches, have both brought fresh voices and fresh techniques to the secondary. Head coach Todd Bowles has added some new wrinkles of his own to the defensive schemes.
All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is excited about the changes.
“We got some new stuff in,” Winfield said about the secondary. “I don’t know if I can share too much, but it’s been nice.”
Winfield was coy about the changes, not disclosing anything specific. He was, however, very obvious in his happiness about switching things up after a disappointing 2025 season for the Bucs secondary.
Winfield Wants His Versatility Put To Use More Often
Winfield believes his biggest strength is his versatility, and he is looking forward to the schematic changes allowing that versatility to be put to use more often. He believes he is at his best when he can freely roam around the back of Tampa's defense.
The Bucs cornerback room is led by veteran Zyon McCollum, who is looking to rebound from a poor season. Second-year players Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison are looking to establish themselves as cornerstones of the defense.
Parrish, coming off a terrific rookie season, is making the switch from nickel to outside corner this year. Morrison, injured for much of his first campaign, is trying to show he can stay on the field in 2026, though that hope isn't off to a great start.
Talented rookie Keionte Scott will be taking over Parrish's role in the slot.
Winfield believes the talented group of corners will take a step forward this season, helping Winfield revert to his All-Pro form.
“Very hopeful,” Winfield said about returning to being an All-Pro. “My best skill set, I feel like, is my versatility, so being able to play everywhere is just what I like the most. I think that’ll definitely help with that.”
Winfield Taking On Greater Leadership Role
For a defense that no longer has Lavonte David, there is a need for someone to fill his leadership void. Winfield recognizes that he will be looked upon to help fill that void, and he was asked about it after Wednesday's minicamp practice.
“Those are some big shoes to fill right there,” Winfield said about David's retirement. “It’s been great; I’ve just been enjoying the process of my role and my position on the team. Obviously, without those guys, other people need to step up, including myself. I’m just going to honor that role and just do the best that I can.”
Final Thoughts
It will be interesting to see what kinds of changes have been injected into the secondary this season. Even after the loss of top corner Jamel Dean, Winfield is confident that the secondary will take a step forward in 2026.
Winfield believes the adjustments being made in Tampa's defensive backfield will allow him to do what he does best.
If Winfield can get back to being one of the top safeties in the league, Tampa's defense can be downright scary this season.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
