TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open their preseason schedule Friday night at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets, and five players in particular face pivotal auditions for roster spots and expanded roles under head coach Todd Bowles.
The headliner among newcomers is defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad, a free agent acquisition who set career highs with the Detroit Lions in 2025: 20 quarterback hits, 11.0 sacks and nine tackles for loss. He was the only player in the NFL to record double-digit sacks without a start on the season. With Bowles confirming that Rueben Bain Jr. will see the field for only a few snaps, if at all, Muhammad figures to get extended work collapsing the pocket and setting the edge.
Rookie receiver Ted Hurst III has seized his opportunity during training camp and joint practices with the Jets at the Atlantic Health Training Center, where he made several highlight-worthy grabs over the top. Hurst has received work at the X spot, and the team says he is “elevating the offense with his vertical prowess down the field and long strides.” Whether Connor Bazelak or Jalon Daniels is under center, Hurst will work to generate separation as a quarterback-friendly target.
Outside linebacker David Walker, a former three-time consensus All-American at the FCS level, has tallied a would-be sack in every practice throughout camp. Walker works a variety of moves — starting with power or a double swipe — to attack a tackle’s weaknesses and plays with leverage at the point of attack. He is expected to see increased snaps in the exhibition.
Second-round pick Josiah Trotter, selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, is competing for the Mike linebacker role opposite Alex Anzalone alongside SirVocea Dennis and Christian Rozeboom. At Missouri, Trotter wore the green dot as the Mike in their 4-2-5 base system and is described as a lethal blitzer with a quick trigger downhill. His discipline in run fits and intensity at the point of contact will be tested in a game environment for the first time.
Undrafted rookie corner Ayden Garnes rounds out the watch list. The 6-foot defensive back, who ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, has logged multiple pass breakups throughout camp and earned first-team reps with Benjamin Morrison and Zyon McCollum on the sideline. During joint practices, Garnes drew reps against Jets receiver Garrett Wilson. He is competing for one of the final fourth or fifth outside corner spots on the Bucs’ 53-man roster.
Kickoff at MetLife Stadium is set for Friday night, with roster cuts looming as Tampa Bay narrows its 90-man roster to 53 before the regular season.