The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made an effort to address their cornerback depth this offseason, recently signing both Chase Lucas and Kemon Hall. But even with those additions, don’t expect the team to shy away from selecting a cornerback early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
If anything, the moves reinforce just how unsettled the position still is. Lucas and Hall bring value, particularly on special teams and as depth pieces, but neither projects as clear cut options to see true field time. They are the type of low-risk additions teams make to build competition, not to solve a problem outright.
And make no mistake, cornerback remains a problem for Tampa Bay.
Zyon McCollum, thrust into a larger role, has shown flashes but continues to struggle with consistency in coverage. While his athleticism stands out, opposing offenses have found ways to target him, making his second full year as a starter turbulent and forcing tough conversations after a massive contract.
The situation only became more complicated with Jamel Dean’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving a significant void on the outside. Dean, when healthy, was easily the Buccaneers’ best corner in 2025 and had the best season of his career. There’s also the question of Benjamin Morrison, who endured an up-and-down rookie season. While the talent is there, he has yet to prove he can be a dependable starter week in and week out. Development is still needed, and relying on a second-year leap alone is a risky strategy.
Then there’s Jacob Parrish, who showed promise but is widely expected to shift back into a nickel role where he’s most comfortable and effective. That move, while beneficial for the defense overall, further thins out the competition on the outside.
The Buccaneers may have added bodies, but they haven’t solved the position. That’s why drafting a cornerback, potentially even in the first round, remains very much on the table. Tampa Bay needs a player who can step in and eventually become a true difference-maker, not just another rotational piece. In a division with improving quarterback play and explosive passing attacks, standing pat at cornerback simply isn’t an option.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Bucs still need to draft a cornerback despite signings
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
