Tampa Bay’s current cornerback room is one of the youngest in the league, headlined by Zyon McCollum, who now finds himself as the most experienced player in the group. Behind him, it’s a collection of developing talent, players with traits, but still learning the nuances of the position at the NFL level.
That’s where a veteran like Rasul Douglas starts to make a lot of sense.
Douglas isn’t just a plug-and-play option when called upon, he’s the type of player who can help accelerate the development of everyone around him. Over the past several seasons, he’s built a reputation as a smart, instinctive corner with strong ball skills and a physical edge. He understands route concepts, spacing, and how to anticipate quarterbacks, all things that younger corners typically take time to develop.
That’s exactly what this Bucs room is missing. Adding Douglas wouldn’t block the growth of players like McCollum or the rest of the young guys, including Jacob Parrish or Benjamin Morrison, who are expected to carry heavy roles in the 2026 season; it would support it. Having a veteran who has seen different offenses, played in multiple systems, and handled high-pressure situations gives the coaching staff another voice in the room.
Someone who can help bridge the gap between talent and consistency.
Per Spotrac, Douglas’ projected market value sits in the range of roughly $6–8 million per year on a short-term deal, a manageable number for a team like Tampa Bay that still has some flexibility. Structuring the deal with a lower first-year cap hit would allow the Bucs to add experience without sacrificing future flexibility. Douglas can still play, coming off a season tallying 2 more interceptions and a sack as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2025. But in Tampa Bay, his impact could be just as important off the stat sheet.
Helping young corners with positioning, film study, and in-game adjustments doesn’t show up in the box score.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could the Bucs pursue Rasul Douglas after the NFL Draft?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
