Kindle Vildor played a bigger role than expected in Detroit last season, stepping in during a wave of injuries in the secondary. But after signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, he might not even make it to Week 1.
Tampa Bay was aggressive in reshaping its cornerback group after managing just seven interceptions in 2024. They added two rookies in the draft — Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) and Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) — and still have Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, and nickel Tykee Smith locked into starting roles. That leaves very little room for Vildor.
According to a 53-man roster projection from USA Today, Vildor didn’t make the cut. If he wants to stick around in Tampa, he’ll need a standout training camp to beat out names like Bryce Hall and Josh Hayes for a depth role.
The Lions chose not to bring Vildor back despite his contributions in 2024, opting instead to reshape their secondary around D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw. That decision’s looking smarter by the day as Vildor fights for his NFL future in a crowded Buccaneers DB room.
Former Lions CB Might Get Cut Before Even Playing a Snap in Tampa
