Bucs add cornerback from the 49ers in NFL Free Agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to bolster their cornerback room ahead of the 2026 season. The Buccaneers have agreed to terms with cornerback Chase Lucas on a one-year deal, adding another depth piece. Lucas, a former seventh-round pick, brings experience from stops with the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.

He’s appeared in 33 career games, including 15 last season, giving the Buccaneers a player who can be plugged in and play immediately if needed and not need any growing pains along the way. Lucas immediately brings value on special teams, logging over 200 snaps in the 2025 season. That alone gives him a legitimate path to making the roster, especially under new special teams coordinator Danny Smith, who will look to turn around one of the worst units in the league.

In Todd Bowles’ system, defensive backs are expected to be versatile. Lucas checks several of those boxes, having played in different schemes while showing a willingness to contribute wherever needed. At minimum, he provides depth insurance in a cornerback room that still has plenty to prove heading into training camp.

Of course, there’s a reason Lucas was available at this stage of the offseason. He has yet to record an interception in his career and has primarily been a depth contributor rather than a difference-maker on defense. If he’s going to stick or even carve out a larger role, he’ll need to show more consistency in coverage and find ways to create turnovers.