The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have no shortage of players generating attention entering the 2026 season. First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr., veteran addition Alex Anzalone, and several young defenders looking to take a leap in their second and third seasons have dominated the offseason conversation. Lost in the shuffle has been safety Tykee Smith.
After showing flashes during his first two seasons, Smith enters 2026 with an opportunity to become one of the most impactful players in Todd Bowles’ defense. While he may not receive the same attention as some of Tampa Bay’s newer additions, the pieces are in place for Smith to have a breakout campaign. One of Smith’s biggest strengths is his versatility. He can line up at safety, cover the slot, or play closer to the line of scrimmage, allowing Bowles to move him around depending on the matchup. That flexibility makes him one of the more valuable chess pieces in the Buccaneers’ secondary.
His ball skills are another reason he could be in for a big season. Smith has shown a natural ability to read quarterbacks, break on the football, and create turnovers when given opportunities. He also plays downhill with confidence, making him an effective defender against both the run and the short passing game. The Buccaneers added Keionte Scott this offseason, while Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison are both looking to take significant steps forward in their second NFL seasons.
If that trio can provide more consistency at cornerback, opposing quarterbacks may be forced to hold the ball longer or challenge the middle of the field less predictably, giving Smith more opportunities to make plays by allowing Bowles to deploy Smith more aggressively as a roaming playmaker rather than asking him to simply provide coverage support.
The Buccaneers are expecting several young defenders to elevate their games in 2026, but Smith may be the one who flies under the radar the longest. If the secondary takes a step forward around him, don’t be surprised if Smith emerges as one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive playmakers by season’s end.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Do not forget about Tykee Smith and his impact on the defense in 2026
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
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By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
