Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie cornerback Keionte Scott was fined $6,540 for illegal helmet use during the second quarter of the team’s Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears. The penalty marks Scott’s first NFL fine.
Scott has appeared in all nine games this season, making four starts. Tampa Bay selected him in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2026 NFL Draft after he helped Miami reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and earned All-ACC honors in 2025.
## Scott Earns Midseason All-Rookie Recognition
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler named Scott to his midseason NFL All-Rookie Team. The 5-foot-11, 193-pound defensive back was drafted later than expected, Brugler noted, in part because Scott is an undersized nickel corner who is more effective moving downhill than in coverage while backpedaling. In the right role, however, Scott has played well for Tampa Bay’s fast, physical defense.
Brugler also noted that Scott has nearly as many solo tackles as Styles and is tied with Caleb Downs for the most defensive stops among rookie defensive backs, with 14.
After a Week 10 bye, the Buccaneers are scheduled to return to action on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
## Scott Returned From Offseason Wrist Surgery
Scott arrived at Tampa Bay’s minicamp wearing a cast on his left arm after having a plate removed from his wrist. He had surgery before the NFL Scouting Combine, and the cast was expected to come off 10 days after minicamp began.
Scott did not run the 40-yard dash at the combine. He reportedly posted times in the 4.30-second range at Miami’s Pro Day, though Pro Day times can be less reliable. His size may also have affected his draft position: at about 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds, he has the build of a nickel cornerback but often plays with the physical style of a weak-side linebacker.
