Murphy-Bunting, a 39th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, began his rookie season as a starter in several games and quickly earned a regular role in the defense. He contributed meaningfully during the Buccaneers’ championship run in his second season, establishing himself as a trusted defender in the secondary. His early tenure with the team showcased his value as an outside corner, capable of handling top receivers and providing stability on the perimeter.
In 2021, Murphy-Bunting faced a setback, missing a portion of the season due to a dislocated elbow. The following year, his role shifted as the team adjusted its depth chart, with emerging players taking on larger responsibilities on the outside. His transition reflected broader roster moves as the Buccaneers sought to recalibrate their secondary for sustained competition.
Murphy-Bunting’s career then took him to the Tennessee Titans on a short-term deal before landing with the Arizona Cardinals on a longer contract. With Arizona, he demonstrated versatility, contributing as a regular starter in 2024 and increasingly aligning with a safety-like responsibilities as the Cardinals experimented with his usage in deeper coverages. In 2025, however, he was placed on the non-football injury list, ending his time with the Cardinals and prompting a return to the market as teams evaluated veteran options to bolster depth in the secondary.
Now with Tampa Bay again, Murphy-Bunting faces a familiar challenge: reclaiming a prominent place on the active roster and achieving meaningful snaps. The Buccaneers are seeking multiple layers of value from him. At his core, the team views him as a reliable, intelligent defender who understands the defensive system and can contribute in various roles. Bowles has indicated that while Murphy-Bunting will primarily operate as an outside corner, there is a clear plan to broaden his responsibilities.
The coaching staff envisions Murphy-Bunting contributing as a nickel defender in certain packages and stepping into safety rotations when necessary. This three-pronged approach—outside corner, slot support, and safety depth—would give Tampa Bay a flexible option against diverse offensive schemes. Such versatility is particularly appealing given the current depth in the secondary, where the Buccaneers are evaluating a mix of veterans, youngsters, and developmental players to fill every position.
Depth is a critical issue for the Buccaneers at cornerback and safety. On the outside, Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish are among the primary options, with Benjamin Morrison potentially contributing in nickel situations. Morrison has shown potential but has also dealt with injury concerns that slow his progress. Keionte Scott, a fourth-round rookie, is another snap-provider in development. The broader group includes UDFA Ayden Garnes and waiver addition Kevin Knowles, both of whom offer potential but come with limited pro-ready experience.
In the safety room, opportunities are more constrained. Miles Killebrew brings special teams value, but his defensive impact is limited. Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. provide more established options, yet there remains a need for added depth and reliability behind them. Murphy-Bunting’s versatility could allow him to function as a reliable depth option across multiple spots, providing the Buccaneers a veteran presence who can be deployed in different coverages and alignments as needed.
For Murphy-Bunting, the appeal is mutual. He has productively contributed in various roles across different schemes and coaching staffs, and the chance to reestablish himself within a familiar defensive culture is appealing. From the Buccaneers’ perspective, bringing back a player who already understands the defensive language, club culture, and has firsthand playoff experience makes strategic sense. It offers the potential for a veteran stabilizer in a secondary that is still developing consistency and depth.
Overall, Tampa Bay’s plan centers on creating a versatile, adaptable defensive back who can be slotted into multiple coverage schemes depending on the matchup. If Murphy-Bunting can stay healthy and quickly regain comfort with the current coaching approach, he could become a valuable component of the depth chart, contributing in situational packages and providing a trusted option for the coaching staff. The path to a steady role will require performance in practices, a clear understanding of the playbook, and the ability to translate previous on-field experience into the team’s present-day defensive concepts.
As the season progresses, Murphy-Bunting’s development will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. His prior experience, coupled with the Buccaneers’ plan to utilize him in multiple roles, positions him as a potential veteran contributor who can help stabilize a secondary that is actively seeking consistency and depth. The coming weeks will determine how quickly he can adapt to the current roster, redefine his role, and contribute meaningfully to Tampa Bay’s defensive productivity.
