Former Buccaneers starter is promptly signed by Super Bowl contenders

Super Bowl contenders act promptly to secure the services of a former Buccaneers starter.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather did not remain unemployed for an extended period.

On November 20, the Detroit Lions signed Merriweather to their practice squad, providing the Michigan native with an opportunity to return home and play for a Super Bowl contender, just two days after the Buccaneers released him.

Merriweather, an undrafted free agent from Iowa, joined the Buccaneers in 2023 and was a starter in two games as a rookie. In 2024, he participated in nine games for the Buccaneers, primarily in a special teams capacity. This could immediately prove advantageous to the Lions.

After Merriweather signed with the Lions on November 20, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com wrote, “Merriweather played at Romulus and Belleville high schools, finishing his career at the latter.” “He was a basketball and football prodigy who ultimately secured a position as a defensive back at Iowa.” During his four-year tenure with the Hawkeyes, the Michigan native recorded 118 tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble.

A Michigan native who grew up supporting the Lions

Merriweather’s release from the Buccaneers could be perceived as a boon if he were to return home and win a Super Bowl. Consequently, his employment loss may have resulted in an even more advantageous position.

He also grew up supporting the Lions, which should indicate his loyalty. Merriweather, who was born in Belleville, Michigan in December 1999, would have spent his childhood witnessing some genuinely awful football. Merriweather was 12 years old when the Lions failed to secure a successful season from 2001 to 2011.

In 2008, the team endured a 0-16 season during that period.

“I certainly take pride in it. I believe that there are two or three other individuals from Michigan here,” Merriweather stated to Raven during the 2023 NFL combine. So, I certainly take pleasure in it. I am certainly proud to be one of the few individuals from Michigan who is representing the state well, as we had a large number of talented individuals in my cohort. I was a Lions devotee throughout my childhood. The turnaround is truly remarkable. I am of the opinion that they experienced a successful construction season this year, and I am confident that they will reverse the trend next year. I believe that they will continue to construct upon the progress they have made thus far.

Buccaneers Defensive Backfield One of the NFL’s most unfavorable players

The Buccaneers are currently 4-6 following four consecutive losses and are remaining optimistic about their playoff prospects despite a series of injuries and one of the NFL’s weakest defenses. Tampa Bay’s team defense is currently ranked 31st in the NFL, and they have conceded 21 passing touchdowns through 10 games, which is 30th in the NFL. They are gearing up for a Week 12 travel contest against the New York Giants.

The Buccaneers have previously encountered this circumstance. In 2022, they were 6-8, but they recovered to complete the season 8-9 and advance to the NFC Wild Card Round in the final season of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. In 2023, they were 4-7 before embarking on a late-season surge that resulted in a 9-8 record and the NFC South Division title. They subsequently defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Tony Adame’s coverage of the NFL for Heavy.com is concentrated on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, and Denver Broncos. His work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News, and Pensacola News Journal. He has been a veteran sports writer and editor since 2004.Additional information regarding Tony Adame