Bucs claim CB Kevin Knowles off waivers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added a young defensive back to their roster on Tuesday by claiming Kevin Knowles off waivers, per league personnel notices. In a related move, Tampa Bay released Caden Fordham, an undrafted linebacker who had been with the team in the offseason.
Knowles, 23, arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He spent his rookie season with Kansas City, appearing in 13 games and contributing on both defense and special teams. He logged 82 defensive snaps and 231 on special teams, finishing with 15 tackles and two passes defensed.
The Chiefs had initially valued Knowles enough to keep him on their 53-man roster, but the club needed the extra depth space after adding two players, including linebacker Jack Pybrun. Tampa Bay had previously waived Pybrun, creating the circumstance under which Knowles moved on to the Buccaneers as the roster shuffle continued this offseason.
With Knowles now in the mix, the Buccaneers add a cornerback who brings fresh depth to the secondary and a track record of contributing on special teams. The team will be evaluating how he fits into the group as it continues to shape the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
