Hayes recorded 35 tackles (22 solo), three defensed passes and one fumble recovery across 15 regular-season games in 2024. The 2023 sixth-round pick saw a boost in involvement during his second season despite playing in the same number of games, with his snap count on defense jumping from 28 to 256. Hayes is still looking for his first career sack and interception, but he posted a career-high 11 tackles in Week 18 against the Saints while filling in for Jamel Dean (knee) and provided four tackles over 23 snaps in the wild-card loss to the Commanders. Hayes will play out the third year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could carve out a case for a larger role with a strong offseason and training camp.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Josh Hayes news
Team
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Birthdate
4/24/1999 (25)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'0", 190 lbs
Draft Info
2023: Rd 6; Pk (TB)
Birthplace
Lakeland, FL, USA
Position
DB
College
Kansas State
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
Hayes recorded 35 tackles (22 solo), three defensed passes and one fumble recovery across 15 regular-season games in 2024. The 2023 sixth-round pick saw a boost in involvement during his second season despite playing in the same number of games, with his snap count on defense jumping from 28 to 256. Hayes is still looking for his first career sack and interception, but he posted a career-high 11 tackles in Week 18 against the Saints while filling in for Jamel Dean (knee) and provided four tackles over 23 snaps in the wild-card loss to the Commanders. Hayes will play out the third year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could carve out a case for a larger role with a strong offseason and training camp.
Hayes posted 11 tackles (10 solo) in the Buccaneers' 27-19 win over the Saints on Sunday. The second-year cornerback drew the start for Jamel Dean (knee) and made good use of his time on the field, which consisted of 65 snaps (98 percent). Hayes was easily a career high -- he'd previously topped out at six stops in Weeks 9 and 10 this season -- but he's projected to return to a rotational role if Dean is able to return for Sunday night's wild-card matchup against the Commanders.
Hayes (hamstring) was deemed active ahead of Sunday's game versus the Chargers. Hayes missed last week's win against the Raiders with a hamstring injury and did not return to practice in full until Friday. Across 11 appearances, the 25-year-old has tallied 20 tackles and three passes defended. He will now reprise his role as Tampa Bay's primary reserve cornerback while also working on specfial teams.
Hayes (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers. Hayes appears to be trending toward suiting up for Sunday's contest, as he upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to a full practice session Friday. The second-year pro from Kansas State is expected to serve as the Bucs' top reserve corner if he can play in Week 15. If not, expect Tyrek Funderburk to see increased work in Tampa Bay's secondary.
Hayes (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. Hayes popped up on Friday's injury report as a limited practice participant due to a hamstring injury, and the issue is severe enough for him to be sidelined for Sunday's contest. He's mostly served on special teams this season, but Hayes' absence means Dallis Flowers will be the primary backup at outside corner Sunday behind starters Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum.
Hayes (leg) has returned to Monday night's game against the Chiefs, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports. The cornerback exited in the third quarter due to cramps. Hayes has six tackles (five solo), a pass breakup and a fumble recovery in the game.
Hayes (leg) is questionable to return to Monday night's game against the Chiefs. The cornerback left the game in the third due to cramping. Hayes recorded five tackles (four solo), a pass breakup and a fumble recovery before exiting. Tavierre Thomas and Keenan Isaac are the other available backup corners for Tampa Bay.
Hayes (ankle) is active Sunday against the Broncos. Hayes was unable to play in Week 2 against the Lions but is healed enough to suit up in Week 3. He'll add depth to the Buccaneers' secondary and help chip in on special teams.
Hayes (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Lions, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. Hayes was unable to practice both Wednesday and Thursday after sustaining an ankle injury during the Buccaneers' Week 1 win, so it's no surprise that he won't be suiting up Sunday. Expect Christian Izien and Tyrek Funderburk to see more work in Tampa Bay's secondary as Hayes continues to recover.