Buccaneers Sign Cornerback Kindle Vildor to One-Year Deal

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bolstered their secondary by signing cornerback Kindle Vildor to a one-year contract, his agents announced to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 13, 2025.

Vildor, 27, previously played for the Detroit Lions and was a consistent presence on the field, participating in all 17 games during a challenging season for the team. He started two games and contributed to 22% of the team’s defensive snaps along with 48% of special teams snaps.

Selected in the fifth round by the Chicago Bears in 2020, Vildor brings a wealth of experience, including a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. His transition to Tampa Bay comes as the Buccaneers look to enhance their defensive capabilities under head coach Todd Bowles.

Last season, Vildor recorded 16 tackles and has made a name for himself despite facing criticism for a pivotal moment in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, where a deflected pass off his face mask resulted in a 51-yard catch by wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Reflecting on that play, Vildor stated, “I’ve definitely seen it, for sure. We are watching film this week but we ain’t watching that play. I know what happened; it’s still crazy to me. But shoot, we’ve moved on now.” His willingness to learn and adapt has become part of his game.

With Vildor aboard, the Buccaneers are looking to deepen their cornerback lineup, particularly as the free agency period continues. Reports indicate that Vildor’s contract includes a “veteran salary benefit,” with a base value of $1.17 million.

Vildor’s time with the Lions spanned two seasons, where he saw critical playtime, including 26 games and seven starts. He concludes his tenure in Detroit with 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, five passes defended, and one forced fumble, cementing his role as a dependable defensive back.

The Buccaneers have made key adjustments to their roster, particularly in the secondary, as they navigate the complexities of free agency 2025. Vildor joins a mix of talents, with the team seeking to return to prominence in the NFC.