The Buccaneers Have Serious Depth Waiting in the Wings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have finalized their 53-man roster, but plenty of talent remains outside the active roster. Their practice squad is loaded with players who could become legitimate contributors during the 2026 season.

Leading that group is veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who gives Tampa Bay something most practice squads cannot: proven NFL production.

Murphy-Bunting returned to Tampa Bay after spending last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and .2023 with the Tennessee Titans He recorded three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2024, showing he still has plenty left to offer.

Of course, Buccaneers fans already know what Murphy-Bunting can do. He played a major role during Tampa Bay’s 2020 Super Bowl run, intercepting three passes during that postseason.

He isn’t the same ascending young corner he was during that championship season. However, he may be one of the best emergency options Tampa Bay has anywhere on its roster.

Murphy-Bunting Brings Experience Tampa Bay Can Use

Murphy-Bunting’s value goes beyond his experience at cornerback. He also brings familiarity with several of Tampa Bay’s younger defensive backs.

He’s already played alongside Zyon McCollum, giving him an existing relationship with one of the team’s current corners. That experience could make Murphy-Bunting especially valuable if Tampa Bay suddenly needs another defensive back.

The Buccaneers also have several young corners who could benefit from having a veteran like Murphy-Bunting around. If injuries strike, Tampa Bay won’t be throwing an inexperienced player into the lineup.

Instead, the team has a veteran who has already played meaningful football for this franchise.

That makes Murphy-Bunting arguably the most game-ready player on the practice squad. It would not be surprising to see him elevated quickly if Tampa Bay needs help in the secondary.

Caden Fordham Could Be More Than a Practice Squad Player

Linebacker Caden Fordham is another player who deserves attention. Fordham initially made the 53-man roster before being released and re-signed to the practice squad.

His preseason performance showed why Tampa Bay wanted to keep him around. Fordham made an impact on special teams and flashed enough defensively to remain an intriguing developmental piece.

Special teams could ultimately be his path to the active roster. If the Buccaneers need another player who can contribute there, Fordham should be among the first names considered.

Don’t Forget About Ifeatu Melifonwu

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu gives the Buccaneers another experienced option in the secondary. Tampa Bay added him for depth, but he ultimately landed on the practice squad.

That does not mean his opportunity is gone.

The Buccaneers can elevate players from the practice squad when injuries or roster needs arise. With the importance of defensive back depth, Melifonwu could quickly find himself back in uniform.

C.J. Dippre Is Another Intriguing Option

Tight end C.J. Dippre is another player who could become relevant as the season develops. Tampa Bay brought him in after moving on from Devin Culp, giving the team another young option at the position.

Dippre’s biggest opportunity could come through special teams. If he can establish himself there, his chances of earning a game-day elevation should increase.

That makes him another player worth monitoring rather than simply treating him as a developmental project.

Tampa Bay Has Options

The Buccaneers’ practice squad isn’t simply a collection of players waiting for another opportunity. It contains veterans with NFL experience, young players with upside and several players who already showed something during the preseason.

Murphy-Bunting is the obvious headliner, but he isn’t alone.

Fordham, Melifonwu and Dippre give Tampa Bay additional options when injuries inevitably force changes. The Buccaneers may have finalized their 53-man roster, but their depth extends well beyond those 53 players.