Buccaneers Sign Safety, Waive Cornerback

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding another young defensive back to their roster after getting an extended look at him during rookie minicamp.

Via the team’s website,

“The Buccaneers made a change in their secondary on Sunday, signing safety Xavier Williams, a Cincinnati product, and waiving cornerback Chase Lucas with a failed-physical designation.”

Tampa Bay signed safety Xavier Williams on Sunday, while also waiving cornerback Chase Lucas with a failed physical designation. Williams now gets a chance to compete for a roster spot in Tampa Bay’s secondary.

Buccaneers Give Williams an Opportunity

Williams stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 220 pounds, giving the Buccaneers some intriguing size at the safety position. He initially earned his opportunity with Tampa Bay by participating in the team’s 2026 Rookie Minicamp as a tryout player.

His college career took an unusual path, as Williams played at four different programs over five seasons. He ultimately finished his career at Cincinnati, where he transitioned into a defensive role.

Strong Finish at Cincinnati

Williams appeared in 12 games for Cincinnati during the 2025 season. He finished the year with 39 tackles, one forced fumble and one pass defended.

His most productive statistical season came one year earlier at Middle Tennessee State. Williams played in 10 games and led the team with 77 tackles, including three tackles for loss, while earning Honorable Mention All-Conference USA recognition.

Williams Has an Unusual College Background

Before becoming a defensive back, Williams began his college career as a quarterback. He spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Charlotte before transferring to UCF in 2023.

Williams appeared in seven games during his three seasons as a quarterback, all of which came at Charlotte. His eventual move to defense gives him an unconventional background as he attempts to make an NFL roster.

The McDonough, Georgia, native will now continue that journey with the Buccaneers. Williams will wear No. 26 in Tampa Bay.