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Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback Jacob Parrish is ready to switch positions in 2026.
After a fantastic rookie season playing nickel corner for the Bucs, Tampa general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles had talked about the possibility of switching Parrish to outside corner in 2026. The move was being considered as a way to have Bucs' rookie Keionte Scott take over Parrish's role in the slot.
It looks like Parrish is welcoming the new challenge.
Speaking after practice Thursday, Parrish said he is focusing on playing on the outside as he enters his season season in Tampa.
“Just really focusing on corner, trying to learn it better, you know, because I played nickel the majority of last year. So, I’m trying to break down the defense at corner,” Parrish said about his new job.
Even after excelling in the slot in 2025, it was evident that Parrish had the versatility to play either inside or outside. He played some snaps as an outside corner as a rookie, but his primary home was at nickel.
With Scott's addition, Bowles needed to find a way to get the 2026 fourth-round pick on the field. The most logical solution was always moving Parrish outside. Now it seems that possibility has become reality, and Parrish can't wait to show his ability to make plays at either position.
The 22-year-old from Kansas State is excited to be able to line up at both spots because, in his words, "a lot of people can't do that." Tampa fans will surely make the comparison to Bucs' legend Ronde Barber, who was a standout at both spots during his Hall of Fame career.
To win a starting job on the outside, Parrish must compete with projected starters Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison. McCollum is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 and regain his reputation as one of the league's top young corners.
Morrison, drafted a round earlier than Parrish last year, is also trying to put last season in the rear-view mirror. Injuries limited him to only 10 games as a rookie, but the Bucs remain high on his potential.
Tampa was hoping for Morrison to stay healthy and showcase his talent in 2026. Unfortunately, he is already dealing with another injury suffered in practice earlier this week.
Morrison's inability to stay on the field could create an opportunity for Parrish to lock down a starting role on the outside. Of course, the Bucs hope to be able to count on the trio of Parrish, Morrison, and McCollum to all be major contributors in 2026, no matter who ends up being the starters.
The thought of Parrish moving to an outside corner spot is an exciting proposition for Tampa's defense. Scott was thought to be one of the draft's biggest steals. Clearing a path for him to be on the field as a rookie is a smart decision.
It looks like Parrish is loving the chance to learn and have success at a new position. Some players would fight the change. Not Parrish. He is willing to do whatever the team asks of him. The switch speaks to both his talent and his character.
Now Parrish has the opportunity to build on his excellent rookie year, and show that he can succeed anywhere he is asked to line up.
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After a fantastic rookie season playing nickel corner for the Bucs, Tampa general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles had talked about the possibility of switching Parrish to outside corner in 2026. The move was being considered as a way to have Bucs' rookie Keionte Scott take over Parrish's role in the slot.
It looks like Parrish is welcoming the new challenge.
Speaking after practice Thursday, Parrish said he is focusing on playing on the outside as he enters his season season in Tampa.
“Just really focusing on corner, trying to learn it better, you know, because I played nickel the majority of last year. So, I’m trying to break down the defense at corner,” Parrish said about his new job.
Parrish Has Versatility To Play Both
Even after excelling in the slot in 2025, it was evident that Parrish had the versatility to play either inside or outside. He played some snaps as an outside corner as a rookie, but his primary home was at nickel.
With Scott's addition, Bowles needed to find a way to get the 2026 fourth-round pick on the field. The most logical solution was always moving Parrish outside. Now it seems that possibility has become reality, and Parrish can't wait to show his ability to make plays at either position.
The 22-year-old from Kansas State is excited to be able to line up at both spots because, in his words, "a lot of people can't do that." Tampa fans will surely make the comparison to Bucs' legend Ronde Barber, who was a standout at both spots during his Hall of Fame career.
Competition At Outside Corner
To win a starting job on the outside, Parrish must compete with projected starters Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison. McCollum is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 and regain his reputation as one of the league's top young corners.
Morrison, drafted a round earlier than Parrish last year, is also trying to put last season in the rear-view mirror. Injuries limited him to only 10 games as a rookie, but the Bucs remain high on his potential.
Tampa was hoping for Morrison to stay healthy and showcase his talent in 2026. Unfortunately, he is already dealing with another injury suffered in practice earlier this week.
Morrison's inability to stay on the field could create an opportunity for Parrish to lock down a starting role on the outside. Of course, the Bucs hope to be able to count on the trio of Parrish, Morrison, and McCollum to all be major contributors in 2026, no matter who ends up being the starters.
Final Thoughts
The thought of Parrish moving to an outside corner spot is an exciting proposition for Tampa's defense. Scott was thought to be one of the draft's biggest steals. Clearing a path for him to be on the field as a rookie is a smart decision.
It looks like Parrish is loving the chance to learn and have success at a new position. Some players would fight the change. Not Parrish. He is willing to do whatever the team asks of him. The switch speaks to both his talent and his character.
Now Parrish has the opportunity to build on his excellent rookie year, and show that he can succeed anywhere he is asked to line up.
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...
