Tykee Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith finished the 2025 regular season with 100 tackles (61 solo), including 2.0 sacks, 13 defensed passes, including one interception, and two fumble recoveries across 16 games. The second-year pro had already displayed a penchant for solid tackle numbers and getting his hands on the ball during his 13-game rookie 2024 campaign, but Smith took a clear step forward in 2025 while holding down a starting role. The Georgia product logged a career-high 890 snaps from scrimmage, and he was in on 94 percent or greater of the defense's plays in all but his injury-shortened Week 14. Given his impressive development this season, Smith will head into 2026 ready to once again man the starting free safety role and form one of the league's best tandems at the position with Antoine Winfield.

Smith (neck/shoulder) practiced in full Wednesday. Smith was sidelined for Tampa Bay's Week 15 loss to Atlanta, though he looks to be in line to return for Sunday's pivotal divisional matchup with the Panthers. He should continue to occupy a key role in Tampa Bay's secondary while posting solid IDP numbers.

Smith (neck/shoulder is inactive for Thursday's game against Atlanta, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports. Smith entered Thursday with a doubtful designation, as he was unable to practice Monday or Tuesday. Both Kaevon Merriweather and Christian Izien are likely to see additional snaps in Smith's absence.