Garnes’ path has been noted for its persistence. He arrived as an undrafted free agent after a college career that featured a significant rise—from a non-star recruit at Duquesne to a productive starter at Arizona. That trajectory has fueled optimism about his long-term potential, with observers highlighting his offseason performance as a sign of his growing impact.
During the offseason, Garnes stepped up when veterans were limited by injuries, holding his own against a deep group of wide receivers. Evaluations during this period pointed to his ability to deflect passes and competently cover receivers, suggesting he could provide valuable depth in a defensive backfield that was in flux. The coaching staff and analysts noted Garnes’ progress as the team evaluated depth options heading into 2026.
As training camp approaches and pads come on, all eyes will be on how Garnes competes against fellow depth signings and the established players at cornerback. If he continues to show versatility, coverage instincts, and improvement in practice and preseason games, he could carve out a more permanent role on the roster.
Bottom line: Garnes’ offseason performance and continued development position him as a notable story of perseverance and potential within the Buccaneers’ defensive backfield. While the path to a long-term NFL role remains challenging for undrafted players, Garnes’ early momentum suggests he could become a future contributor if he maintains his trajectory.
