TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed second-year cornerback Kevin Knowles (5-11, 190) off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs, adding active-roster depth to a secondary the team had trimmed to just eight defensive backs during league-wide roster cuts Sunday.
To make room on the 53-man roster, Tampa Bay waived rookie linebacker Caden Fordham, who led the nation in tackles in 2025 at North Carolina State. Fordham, an undrafted free agent, had survived Sunday’s cutdown before the move. He recorded 10 tackles on defense and four on special teams during the preseason, along with two tackles for loss and a pass defensed. He could potentially return to the Bucs on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Knowles initially made Kansas City’s active roster Sunday before the Chiefs waived him Monday. He played in all three Kansas City preseason games and posted two tackles on defense and one on special teams.
The Florida State product originally joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He split his rookie year between the practice squad and the active roster, appearing in 13 games through early-season game-day elevations and stints on the 53-man roster. Knowles contributed five tackles on defense and 10 in kick coverage and was on the field for 70% of the Chiefs’ special teams snaps — production that made him an attractive pickup for a Tampa Bay team that also devoted five of 17 practice squad spots to the secondary.
The Buccaneers’ roster now stands at 53 with Knowles replacing Fordham. Tampa Bay opens its regular season next week.