The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a down year in the secondary in 2024. The key to turning things around could be Tykee Smith switching from nickel corner to safety. Tampa Bay allowed the third most passing yards against per game (4,464) last season, hoping to bounce back in 2025.
Smith appeared in 13 games for the Buccaneers in 2024, primarily in the slot. The 2024 third-round pick finished with 54 total tackles, adding on a chunk of splash plays. Smith forced three fumbles, caught three interceptions and had seven passes defended.
Even with missing about a month of games with a concussion and a knee injury, Smith put together a strong rookie campaign. In year two, he’s looking to stay healthy, while being more consistent on the field.
“This offseason, I spent time looking back at game film [from 2024],” Smith said. “I played good, [but] had some bad games. This year, I’m just looking to build off that.”
Smith Has Safety Experience
Coming out of high school, Tykee Smith played all over the defensive backfield. He got experience at both cornerback and safety, gaining an understanding of the similarities and differences.
At West Virginia and Georgia in college, Smith continued to be versatile. He played both out wide and deep, thriving in both areas, and taking home two national championships.
Head coach Todd Bowles knows that Smith playing safety in the past will help make the switch seamless. Nickel corner and safety can be different in some ways, but Bowles is confident the 24-year-old won’t miss a step in 2025.
“I don’t think it’s an adjustment for [Smith] because he’s played [safety],” Bowles said. “… It’s not a big adjustment for him at all. Just looking at it from different angles for him. He’s been great.”
Despite being banged up throughout portions of the offseason, Smith put together a good training camp. He also appeared in the Buccaneers’ second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith started the game, playing five snaps at box safety, three at free safety and one in the slot.
Playing Beside an All-Pro Helps
GettyAntoine Winfield Jr. is helping bring Tykee Smith along through his switch to safety
Tykee Smith has a great mentor to continue to learn the safety position from. All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. missed eight games due to ankle and knee injuries, and is ready for a comeback. The 27-year-old knows what it takes to thrive as a safety in Bowles’ defense.
The duo has been working together all offseason, with Winfield Jr. giving as much advice as he can. Smith hasn’t taken any of it for granted, taking all of the tips he’s been given and implementing them into his game.
“We sit right next to each other, so we’re always talking to each other about disguises, ways that we can make plays, or [Smith] can make a play to improve,” Winfield Jr. said. “We always bounce that stuff off each other.”
Winfield Jr. has been the model of success at the safety position at the NFL level, becoming the highest-paid defensive back of any kind, signing him to a four-year, $84.1 million contract. Smith is still learning at 24 years old, but is hoping to help form one of the best safety duos in the league.
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