Buccaneers Sign Former Lions CB Kindle Vildor to Bolster Secondary Depth
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally made a move to address their cornerback depth, signing former Detroit Lions defensive back Kindle Vildor to a one-year deal. The signing may not be a headline-grabber, but it adds much-needed depth to a position that has been a weak spot for Tampa Bay in recent years.
Vildor spent time on the Lions’ practice squad in 2023 before seeing more playing time last season. While he wasn’t a primary starter, he gained experience in Detroit’s aggressive defense and showed flashes of solid play when called upon. However, his time with the Lions will always be linked to a costly moment in the 2023 NFC Championship Game, where a deflected pass off his helmet led to a crucial catch by the 49ers.
For the Buccaneers, this move is about shoring up a secondary that has been ravaged by injuries in back-to-back seasons. Jamel Dean has struggled to stay healthy, and Tampa Bay has been forced to rely on third and fourth-string corners at critical moments. Vildor isn’t a replacement for Dean, but he does provide experienced depth, similar to last year’s addition of Bryce Hall.
While this isn’t a blockbuster signing, Vildor brings toughness from Detroit’s defensive system, and with a fresh start in Tampa Bay, he has an opportunity to carve out a role in a secondary that desperately needs reinforcements.
Buccaneers Add Former Lions CB in Long-Awaited Free Agency Move
