The countdown to the Bucs’ 2026 season is on. Proper now, we’re:
49 days away from Bucs common season kickoff19 days away from Bucs preseason kickoff3 days away from Bucs coaching camp
Within the lead-up to coaching camp, Pewter Report’s Bailey Adams can be diving into storylines for 26 key figures who can be essential to the Bucs’ success in 2026.
At this time, the sequence continues with security Tykee Smith.
26 For ‘26: Tykee Smith Bucs Storylines In 2026
Does Tykee Smith Have An Even Greater Stage, And What Does That Look Like?
Between a productive rookie season in 2024 and a 2025 season that noticed him tackle a bigger function within the Bucs protection; Smith has put collectively a powerful begin to his NFL profession. He began off primarily as Tampa Bay’s nickel cornerback as a rookie, enjoying in 13 video games and beginning six on his method to 54 tackles (38 solo), 4 tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and three compelled fumbles.
In 2025, Smith acquired the larger function he needed, shifting full time to security. Over 16 video games (all begins), the previous West Virginia Mountaineer and Georgia Bulldog totaled 100 tackles (61 solo), two sacks, 5 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, an interception, 13 passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. He was among the finest and most constant defenders for a Bucs protection that had a variety of holes.
Bucs SS Tykee Smith and Lions QB Jared Goff – Picture by: USA At this time
So, what’s subsequent for Smith as he heads into Yr 3? There’s no place change this offseason, so he must be feeling proper at house as one of many Bucs’ safeties, forming a formidable duo with Antoine Winfield Jr. on the again finish of the protection. But when there was a leap from his rookie season to Yr 2 – even with the adjustment to being a full-time security once more – is there one other leap coming in Yr 3? Can the 2024 third-round choose ascend to a Professional Bowl-caliber stage? In that case, what does that seem like?
On one hand, it’s extra of the identical, regular play Smith put collectively final yr. It’s being in place to make performs in opposition to the run, getting his palms on the soccer to the tune of double-digit passes defensed and being in the precise spot to scoop up unfastened footballs like he did final yr with these two fumble recoveries. However past that, it’s additionally a bit little bit of the ball-hawking he confirmed from the slot as a rookie. You’d prefer to see him give you a couple of interception, and a few compelled fumbles could be good, too.
Smith might additionally stand to take a step up in protection, as his PFF grade in that division slipped to a 56.8 final yr and he allowed a 71.1% completion proportion for 382 yards (14.1 avg.) and three touchdowns. He ought to have some extra assist this yr because of Winfield presumably getting to maneuver round a bit bit extra after spending a lot time because the deep, centerfield man final yr. Winfield can be in place to make extra performs, and that would permit Smith to do the identical. The 2 might be able to work because the complementary duo the Bucs envisioned final yr, and that may assist No. 23 take one more step in his growth.
How A lot Will The Bucs Ask Tykee Smith To Transfer Round In 2026?
Talking of Antoine Winfield Jr. doubtlessly shifting round and attending to showcase his versatility extra in 2026 than he did in 2025, what does that imply for his accomplice on the again finish of the Buccaneer protection? Will Tykee Smith even be used as one among Todd Bowles’ versatile chess items? It needs to be on the desk and contemplating how a lot Bowles values gamers who’ve totally different facets to their video games and the truth that he likes to have choices, you’d think about Smith will transfer round as wanted this season.
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. and DB Tykee Smith – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how that materializes and the way outlined of a task Smith has on this Bowles protection. As a result of the Bucs know he’s somebody who can deal with obligations at nickel cornerback, and so they’ve now seen him deal with the protection function at a excessive stage as nicely. He has that mix of protection means, ball abilities and physicality that may serve him nicely wherever he’s. However what is going to the cut up be like? How a lot will Smith really transfer round?
his rookie season through which he primarily performed because the group’s nickel, he spent 589 snaps within the slot, 60 within the field, 18 on the road, 4 at free security and one at outdoors nook. His function modified in 2025, so it’s no shock that his snap splits modified, too. Final yr, he performed 390 snaps at free security, 318 within the field, 108 within the slot, 53 on the road and 23 at outdoors nook.
Bowles stated early this offseason that Smith’s security is at future, which comes as no shock. He had robust phrases for the way in which his second-year defensive again tailored to the function he performed in 2025, saying they thought he was their finest participant and tone-setter on protection. However with the pinnacle coach and defensive play-caller’s stage of confidence in Smith and the way interchangeable he and Winfield will be throughout the protection, does a Winfield who’s freed up in 2026 additionally imply a variety of motion for Smith, too?
The secret’s that he offers Bowles and the Bucs choices. His soccer I.Q. is elite, and that has proven from very early on within the offseason heading into his rookie marketing campaign. So, he’ll do no matter is requested at him, presumably at a excessive stage. That’s large for the Tampa Bay protection on a week-in, week-out foundation, for one, nevertheless it additionally offers the unit some protection within the occasion of an harm.
Is Tykee Smith In Line To Be A First-Time Bucs Captain In 2026?
When Lavonte David retired this offseason, he left behind a large void. Not solely did he set up himself as among the finest gamers in Buccaneer historical past all through his 14-year profession, however he was a longtime captain. David was somebody who stood out as an apparent alternative yearly when it got here time for the Bucs to select their group captains. He was a shoe-in. So, now that he’s retired, who fills that emptiness? In the event you ask David himself, look no additional than Tykee Smith.
Lavonte David named 3 Bucs he might see take over as a group captain together with his departure through retirement: Tykee Smith, Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby.
He referred to as Smith, whom he took below his wing, his youthful brother. Smith performs with an edge and is an rising chief on protection. pic.twitter.com/iRaDuWfEeE
When he retired, David stated Smith, Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby might all be within the combine to step up as a captain in his absence. However then he went additional and stated he’d put his hand up for Smith, who he took below his wing like a “little brother” during the last couple of years. That’s fairly the vote of confidence for the third-year security, however there’s extra to his candidacy than that. Smith is a man who performs with an edge and units the tone, giving him the precise temperament to put on the captain’s “C” on his jersey.
Smith’s aforementioned soccer I.Q. works in his favor, too, as does the truth that his stage of play backs all of it up. He led all safeties in 2025 with 13 passes defensed and ranked fifth amongst safeties with 30+ targets with a hawk proportion (interceptions plus passes defensed) of 26.3. Not solely that, however he was the one participant final yr with 100+ tackles, 10+ passes defensed and three+ takeaways.
Bucs S Tykee Smith and LB Lavonte David – Picture by: IMAGN Photos – Stephen Lew
Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. have each been captains alongside David, so they might stay as two-thirds of what’s prone to be a trio of defensive captains in 2026. Does Smith get that third spot? He’ll get heavy consideration, as will Diaby, a fourth-year defender and chief in his personal proper. David talked about Kancey, too, however with the defensive deal with’s harm points, he will not be one of many favorites. Veteran inside linebacker Alex Anzalone was a multi-year captain with the Lions and whereas he’s new, he could warrant consideration and will get the “C” on his chest.
Nevertheless it really works out, anticipate Smith to be one of many key leaders of the Buccaneer protection in 2026. As a result of as he’s already proven in the way in which he set the tone for Tampa Bay final yr, you don’t want that captain’s patch in your jersey to step up and be a frontrunner for the opposite guys in your unit and throughout the locker room. Smith will play the captain’s function whether or not he has it as an official title or not, actually.
And that could be all of the proof wanted that he deserves to step in and be David’s successor as a captain on this Bucs protection in 2026.
Catch Up On Earlier Installments Of Bailey Adams’ 26 For ’26 Collection
OFFENSE:
Baker MayfieldBucky IrvingKenny GainwellChris Godwin Jr.Emeka EgbukaJalen McMillanCade OttonTristan WirfsBen BredesonGraham BartonCody MauchLuke Goedeke
DEFENSE:
Yaya DiabyRueben Bain Jr.A’Shawn RobinsonCalijah KanceyVita VeaAlex AnzaloneJosiah TrotterZyon McCollumBenjamin MorrisonJacob ParrishAntoine Winfield Jr.
