Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather found a new team fast.
Just two days after his release from Tampa Bay, the Detroit Lions signed Merriweather to their practice squad on November 20. The Michigan native now has a chance to return home and play for a Super Bowl contender.
Merriweather joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent from Iowa in 2023, starting two games in his rookie season. In 2024, he appeared in nine games, mainly on special teams, a role that could immediately benefit the Lions.
“Merriweather played at Romulus and Belleville high schools, finishing at the latter,” MLive.com’s Benjamin Raven wrote on November 20. “He excelled in basketball and football, eventually playing defensive back at Iowa. Over four years with the Hawkeyes, he tallied four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 118 tackles.”
Michigan Native Grew Up a Lions Fan
For Merriweather, coming home and potentially winning a Super Bowl might turn his release from Tampa Bay into a blessing in disguise.
Born in Belleville, Michigan, in December 1999, Merriweather grew up supporting the Lions despite the team’s struggles. He watched them endure a 10-year drought without a winning season, including the infamous 0-16 campaign in 2008.
“I take a lot of pride in it,” Merriweather told Raven at the 2023 NFL combine. “There are only a few of us from Michigan here. I grew up a Lions fan, so seeing their turnaround has been incredible. They’ve been building, and I think they’ll continue to improve next year.”
Buccaneers’ Defensive Struggles Continue
The Buccaneers, now 4-6 after four straight losses, are barely holding onto playoff hopes. Injuries and one of the NFL’s worst defenses have plagued the team.
Ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay ranks 31st in team defense and has allowed 21 passing touchdowns in 10 games, the third-worst mark in the league.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Buccaneers. In 2022, they rallied from a 6-8 record to make the playoffs. In 2023, they turned a 4-7 start into a 9-8 finish, winning the NFC South and defeating the Eagles in the Wild Card Round.
