All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, fresh off a stellar season where he led the NFL with nine interceptions, has hinted at a potential contract extension with the Detroit Lions. At a recent Detroit Tigers game, Joseph expressed his desire to remain with the team, stating, "It's in progress. We're getting things going. I love Detroit, Detroit loves me." With his market value projected at around $23.2 million per year, Joseph could surpass the current highest-paid safety, Antoine Winfield Jr., making him a focal point for the Lions’ future.

As Joseph enters the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of $3.6 million, discussions for a new deal appear imminent. The Lions could offer a lucrative multi-year extension, potentially reaching guarantees of up to $50 million, reflecting Joseph's significant impact on the field. However, despite his good fortune on the field, he couldn’t help the Tigers, who lost the game he attended.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the NFL Draft with a surprisingly robust amount of salary cap space, despite their aggressive spending in free agency. Key player retainments, including Chris Godwin, and the acquisition of Haason Reddick on a one-year 'prove it' contract, have bolstered their roster. They've skillfully restructured contracts for Antoine Winfield Jr., Tristan Wirfs, and Baker Mayfield, freeing up nearly $50 million in cap space. This financial flexibility positions them to make strategic moves in the upcoming draft, as GM Jason Licht might have plans to further enhance the team's competitiveness.

In the 2024 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant injuries on defense, prompting them to shuffle their roster, notably with rookie Tykee Smith. Smith has demonstrated versatility, stepping in at cornerback and excelling in coverage while filling gaps due to injuries in the secondary, including Antoine Winfield Jr. The Buccaneers' management, led by Jason Licht, is now contemplating a permanent position switch for Smith to safety in light of his strong performance and the possibilities surrounding their draft strategy.

If the Buccaneers decide to draft a safety early, Smith may remain at cornerback, yet if they opt for a cornerback, the likelihood of Smith transitioning to safety increases. This decision will heavily depend on the team’s draft approach and their need to bolster the secondary further.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges in their secondary during the 2024 season due to injuries, most notably losing cornerback Bryce Hall for the year in the season opener. Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. also dealt with ongoing injury issues. As a result, the Buccaneers ranked poorly in passing defense, allowing 243.9 yards per game, fourth-most in the league. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Bucs made strategic moves in free agency, including signing linebacker Haason Reddick to bolster their pass rush.

Moreover, the Bucs are focusing on building a solid foundation for their defense, retaining key players like Hall, Kaevon Merriweather, and Lavonte David. With the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft, there are expectations that they could select Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a versatile player adept at various defensive roles. Barron’s impressive college career, highlighted by the Jim Thorpe Award, makes him a promising addition to a secondary in need of depth and performance improvements.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, boasting a solid defensive unit, look to enhance their strength in the upcoming draft. With key players like Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David, and Vita Vea leading the charge, they aim to add depth and talent. The latest mock draft suggests they will select Scouting Combine standout Nick Emmanwori at pick 19. Known for his athleticism and ability to read plays, Emmanwori is projected to complement Winfield Jr. well, creating a formidable pairing in the secondary.

Under the guidance of Todd Bowles, the Bucs hope to maximize Emmanwori's potential. His impressive Combine performance has caught the attention of analysts, who see him as a game-changer for the Buccaneers defense. The combination of Emmanwori's skills and the existing talents on the team could significantly elevate their defensive capabilities.