Ko Kieft: Everything you need to know

Kieft (leg) has agreed to terms on a contract with the Buccaneers, per General Manager Jason Licht. It is a one-year contract, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Kieft injured his leg in Week 3 of the 2025 season and didn't return. He'll be back with the Buccaneers for 2026 after playing in 53 regular-season games for the team since being drafted in the sixth round in 2022. Kieft has filled a depth role throughout his career, recording just eight catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

Kieft (leg) didn't record an offensive statistic while logging 29 offensive snaps across three games in 2025. The Minnesota product sustained a leg injury in Tampa Bay's Week 3 win over the Jets that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In the Buccaneers' first three games, Kieft was primarily used as a blocker and did not receive a target. He also contributed on special teams, logging 65 snaps and recording three total tackles. With Kieft's rookie contract expiring after the 2025 season, he's set to hit unrestricted free agency. Expect the 28-year-old to draw interest from teams in need of tight-end depth and special-teams help ahead of next season.

The Buccaneers placed Kieft on injured reserve Tuesday due to a leg injury, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. Kieft likely suffered the injury during the Buccaneers' 29-27 win over the Jets on Sunday. His placement on IR means he'll be forced to miss at least the next four games, but the injury could sideline the 2022 sixth-rounder for the rest of the season, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Kieft's absence opens the door for Devin Culp to serve as the Bucs' TE3 behind Cade Otton and Payne Durham.