Buccaneers preview: Cornerbacks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will enter the 2026 season with a much younger look at cornerback, and the success of that group could play a major role in determining how much Todd Bowles' defense improves. Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish sit atop the depth chart, with Benjamin Morrison, Keionte Scott, Ayden Garnes, and recently claimed Kevin Knowles providing the depth behind them. Tampa Bay also brought former Buc Sean Murphy-Bunting back on the practice squad, giving the team an experienced option if needed.

The biggest change is Parrish's move into a starting role on the outside. After primarily playing nickel as a rookie, Parrish spent training camp working as a first-team boundary corner opposite McCollum. Bowles has also continued preparing him to move back inside depending on the personnel package. That versatility makes Parrish the starter to watch. As a rookie, Parrish recorded 76 tackles, seven tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, two interceptions and two sacks. He played 615 snaps in the box or slot compared to 127 on the outside, but Tampa Bay clearly believes he can handle a larger boundary role in Year 2. Bowles has even described Parrish as one of the team's best cover players when alongside McCollum. The Bucs could use him similarly to how they once deployed Hall of Famer Rondé Barber, keeping Parrish outside in base packages before sliding him into the slot when Tampa Bay brings another corner onto the field. That would allow Bowles to maximize one of the most versatile players in his secondary