Overview
- Tampa Bay signed veteran safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on a one-year deal and, per league reporting, added undrafted safety Xavier Williams to its roster as training camp continues.
- Melifonwu started eight games for the Miami Dolphins in 2025 and posted 53 tackles while also playing on special teams, giving the Bucs an experienced depth option.
- Williams worked out for the team after rookie tryouts and is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound safety with pro day measurables that include a 4.56 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical.
- The moves respond to clear roster pressure in the secondary: Tampa’s defense struggled in 2025, cornerback play was singled out as a weakness, and young corner Benjamin Morrison has been limited in camp.
- Both signings are short-term depth additions that will face preseason and training-camp evaluation for roster spots and special-teams roles as the Bucs cut toward the 53-man roster.