The Bucs’ secondary is far from being settled – and that is exactly how head coach Todd Bowles wants it heading into OTAs.
Bowles values versatility, moving pieces around like a chessboard to maximize matchups. That philosophy is nothing new, but it is already reshaping the 2026 depth chart. Given Tampa Bay’s offseason approach, the secondary is an area where a lot can change before Week 1.
Defensive back JJ Roberts is one player looking to find his footing, and he recently spoke with Pewter Report about his offseason fit as he returns from a season-ending knee injury.
JJ Roberts Discusses His Knee Rehab And Positional Versatility
JJ Roberts looked like a lock for the 53-man roster last season before a joint practice in Pittsburgh against the Steelers threw a wrench in those plans. Roberts was putting together a strong first impression, showcasing his coverage skills and playmaking ability before a knee injury ended his rookie year.
Now over eight months removed from that injury, he spoke with Pewter Report about his rehab process.
Bucs DB J.J. Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Honestly, I overall feel more prepared this year after spending the entirety of the offseason rehabbing and lifting with the staff,” Roberts said. “The knee is in a very strong place.”
After Tampa Bay valued Roberts enough to give him $300,000 guaranteed as an undrafted free agent, there is still a path to him becoming a secondary “super sub.” Playing time will not come easy, especially after the team drafted defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with an unclear path, Roberts is clearly comfortable lining up anywhere.
“As far as roles, I’m very comfortable,” Roberts added. “I take pride in being versatile and doing whatever the team needs. Whether it’s nickel, safety, or anything else they need me to do. I’m locked in on learning it all and being someone they can trust in various situations.”
Bucs Front Office Discusses How JJ Roberts Will Factor Into The Secondary
Speaking to reporters following the 2026 NFL Draft, Bucs assistant general manager Rob McCartney shared his outlook on the secondary. McCartney pointed to Keionte Scott as the favorite to take over the primary nickel role, while outlining the bigger picture.
Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Playing nickel this year [at Miami] was probably the best thing that’s happened to him,” McCartney said about Scott. “That is where he is really at his best… He was a really good nickel that can play other spots. I think one of the things we’ve all talked about is we need to add another body to that cornerback room that we can rely on. Pretty thin back there, admittedly.
“Adding him now frees us up to bring back the versatility that [Jacob] Parrish can play nickel, Parrish can play outside, B-Mo (Benjamin Morrison) takes another step this year on the outside, and then we kind of feel a lot better about the room adding a guy that can play multiple spots.”
The nickel role is expected to be handled by Scott and Parrish, with Parrish also competing with Morrison outside.
So, where does that leave JJ Roberts?
Bucs DB J.J. Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“That’s another guy that you just appreciate the positional flex and ability to play [special] teams,” McCartney said. “I think more of a safety.”
Todd Bowles has long cross-trained defensive backs to wear multiple hats. In a scheme built on positional flexibility and varied looks, Bowles prioritizes putting players in position to make plays. That rings most true in the secondary, as it allows him to move just about anyone around from nickel to cornerback to safety to even deploying safety Antoine Winfield Jr. as a dynamic roamer.
Roberts projects to be the third safety behind Winfield and Smith, with free-agent addition Miles Killebrew being the fourth safety and designated special teams ace. He has the talent to serve as a hybrid depth piece, having displayed the ability to make an impact dating back to his final two seasons at Marshall. In 2024, he had 94 tackles and was tied for the most passes defensed in all of college football with 14.
If Bowles leans into that flexibility and creativity, JJ Roberts could carve out a role if he proves he can do a little bit of everything.
“I’m excited for the opportunity that lies ahead,” Roberts said. “I’m more than ready and equipped for the moment.”