Tykee Smith Building A Strong Resume
June 18th, 2026
Pro Bowl future?
Every once in a while, Joe hears someone grumble about Bucs safeties, or at least why that position wasn’t addressed in free agency or the draft.
Well, there’s a reason: The Bucs *really* like their starting safeties.
Having Antoine Winfield man centerfield at safety speaks for itself. But then, very quietly, Tykee Smith had a helluva 2025 season, though it’s hard to realize.
Consider Smith, per Bucs official stats, was the lone player in the NFL last season with at least 100 tackles, 10 passes defensed and three takeaways. Pretty darn good.
And Smith made Bucs history. He is only one of three defensive players who with at least 100 tackles, 10 passes defensed, five tackles for loss and two sacks in the same season. The others are Lavonte David (twice) and Winfield.
NFL folks like to say the biggest jump of a player’s early years is from his rookie season to his second season. Well, based on what Smith did last year, if he continues to improve, are we looking at a Pro Bowl safety in the making?