Shortly after the new league year began on Wednesday afternoon, the Bucs lost one of their key special teamers, as the Vikings announced they have agreed to terms with Tavierre Thomas, who spent the 2024 season with Tampa Bay.
Thomas Helped Improve Bucs Special Teams In 2024
Bucs Db Tavierre Thomas
Bucs DB Tavierre Thomas – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs had long underperformed on special teams. Per Pro Football Focus, the team ranked 20th or worse in their special teams grading from 2019-2023. This was despite some very impressive kicking seasons by both Ryan Succop and Chase McLaughlin.
Thomas was a part of a push to improve this facet of the game. And improve they did. The team ranked 19th overall in PFF grade, which was their best showing since 2015.
And Thomas brought the goods, earning a 90.5 grade from PFF. He led the team in special teams snaps with 403 and tackles with eight. His 11.1% missed tackle rate was quite impressive as well. Thomas contributed in five of the six facets of special teams, including kick return, kick coverage, punt return, punt coverage and field goal block.
Bucs Db Tavierre Thomas And Rb Bucky Irving
Bucs DB Tavierre Thomas and RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
He was especially excellent as a gunner, often the first player down field and rarely overrunning the play.
He was also a minor contributor on defense as a myriad of injuries forced the Bucs to go deep into their depth chart. Thomas, who had primarily played slot corner throughout his previous six seasons with Cleveland and Houston, played 46 defensive snaps split almost evenly between the slot and safety.
Thomas’ play on defense, like many of the Bucs depth players in the secondary, left much to be desired. He missed two of his nine tackle attempts and allowed a catch on all five of the throws he was targeted on, allowing 67 yards including 28 after the catch.
Thomas finished the 2024 season with 14 total tackles in 17 games. For his career, he has 239 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed, two interceptions, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.