The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bolstered their cornerback depth by re-signing Sean Murphy-Bunting, who is returning to the team on the practice squad. This move follows the 29-year-old's release from the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the previous season recovering from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign.
Murphy-Bunting's return is significant for the Buccaneers, who have been actively seeking to strengthen their secondary. The team has projected Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish as the starting cornerbacks for the upcoming season, while Benjamin Morrison, Ayden Garnes, and rookie Keionte Scott complete a relatively inexperienced cornerback unit. With only five corners on their initial 53-man roster, the Buccaneers recognized the need for experienced depth, making Murphy-Bunting's signing a strategic move.
During his previous four seasons in Tampa Bay, Murphy-Bunting established himself as a reliable player, notching 65 career starts. He played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' triumphant 2020 Super Bowl run, famously intercepting passes in each of the team's first three playoff games. His familiarity with head coach Todd Bowles' defensive schemes adds an extra layer of value, as he can seamlessly integrate into the system without the learning curve that new players typically face.
The Buccaneers' current cornerback roster is still finding its footing, with Scott aiming to solidify his position in the slot and Morrison and Garnes working to establish consistent roles. While there are questions about Murphy-Bunting's performance following his significant injury, his experience could prove invaluable. At 29, he may not replicate the same form that contributed to the franchise's Super Bowl LV victory, but Tampa Bay does not require him to be that player. Instead, they are looking for a dependable veteran who can adapt to various roles as needed.
If Murphy-Bunting can demonstrate that he has fully recovered from his knee injury, he will provide the Buccaneers with a seasoned cornerback capable of stepping in during critical moments. This depth is particularly important for a secondary that is heavily reliant on younger players. His presence could also intensify the competition for cornerback positions as the regular season approaches, making for an intriguing dynamic within the team.
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