Buccaneers Sign Two Defensive Backs To One-Year Deals

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a clear statement about their priorities Thursday, adding two defensive backs in a move that signals a focus on depth, competition, and versatility in the secondary.

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 

“Former Titans free-agent CB Kemon Hall is signing a one-year deal with the Buccaneers, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @unisportsmgmt.”

Kemon Hall is 28 and has spent time with six NFL teams. He has logged just 87 defensive snaps, projecting primarily as a special teams contributor. He will compete for a depth role at cornerback.

Via NFL.com’s Mije Garafolo,

“The #Buccaneers have agreed to terms with CB Chase Lucas on a one-year deal, per his agent Jamal Tooson. Lucas, who appeared in 15 games for the #49ers, became a free agent when he went untendered as a restricted FA. Now heads east to Tampa in Todd Bowles’ defense. @Chase_Lucas2.”

Chase Lucas is 29 and logged over 200 special teams snaps for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. He handled a similar role with the Detroit Lions in 2023. In both stops, he provided experienced secondary depth.

Building Depth 

At this stage of the offseason, these additions are rarely about headline names and more about building out the back end of the roster. Defensive back is one of the most volatile positions in football. Injuries pile up quickly, and teams routinely need four or five corners and multiple safeties they trust to play meaningful snaps. By bringing in two players at once, Tampa Bay is creating immediate competition for roster spots while also insulating itself against that inevitable attrition.

There’s also a schematic angle here. Head coach Todd Bowles leans heavily on disguise and flexibility in the secondary. That system demands defensive backs who can rotate between roles, handle man and zone responsibilities, and communicate effectively pre-snap. Adding multiple players at the position increases the odds of finding contributors who fit those specific requirements, even if they weren’t full-time starters elsewhere.

From a roster-building standpoint, this is about raising the floor. The Buccaneers don’t necessarily need both players to become starters. If one develops into a reliable rotational piece or special teams contributor, the move pays off. If both push incumbents and elevate the overall level of play in camp, even better.

In short, this isn’t just about adding bodies. It’s about reinforcing a position group that demands numbers, flexibility, and constant competition, especially in a defense built the way Tampa Bay’s is.