The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are strengthening their secondary by bringing in veteran cornerback Kindle Vildor. According to his agents, Vildor has agreed to a one-year contract with the team, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This signing adds depth to Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Vildor, who spent last season with the Detroit Lions, was a key rotational player in their defense. Despite the Lions dealing with numerous injuries on that side of the ball, Vildor remained healthy and played in all 17 regular-season games. He started in two contests and was on the field for 22 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Additionally, he was a valuable contributor on special teams, logging action in 48 percent of those snaps.
The 26-year-old cornerback began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Georgia Southern. During his time in Chicago, he saw a steady increase in playing time and even started 12 games in 2021. However, after three seasons with the Bears, he had a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans before landing in Detroit in 2023.
Vildor’s versatility and experience make him a solid addition to the Buccaneers’ secondary, where he will likely compete for a depth role and contribute on special teams. While not a full-time starter, his ability to step in when needed and his durability could prove valuable for Tampa Bay, especially in a physically demanding season. As the Buccaneers aim to bolster their pass defense, Vildor’s presence provides another option for their defensive coaching staff.
