Earlier today, we speculated that there may be a potential reunion between Tampa Bay and one of its Super Bowl champion defensive backs. The “Grave Diggers” was Tampa’s moniker during the team’s dominant playoff run in 2020. At the forefront of the team’s success was their pass defense. The pass-rush, led by Shaq Barrett, J.P.P., Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, and co., feasted on offensive lines while the team’s young defensive backfield of Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead,
Mike Edwards, and Sean Murphy-Bunting feasted on quarterbacks.
Amidst the unit’s generational run through some of the league’s most iconic all-time passers (Brees–Rodgers–Mahomes), few ate more than Sean Murphy-Bunting. In four playoff games, Murphy-Bunting snagged himself three interceptions— Including the interception that set up one of the most legendary plays in team history, Scotty Miller’s Hail Mary touchdown catch.
Across four seasons in the red and pewter, SMB wore a good amount of hats. He flipped between starter over as well as back up behind Jamel Dean, he played games inside at nickel, and also as an outside corner. In his Buccaneer career, he totaled six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and scooped up a loose ball as well.
SMB left Tampa Bay in 2023, signing with the Tennessee Titans. After just one season in Tennessee, he moved out west joining the Arizona Cardinals. Murphy-Bunting did not play in 2025, however, in his two healthy seasons away from Todd Bowles the former Buccaneer stayed productive pulling in five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
While he is only joining the Bucs’ practice squad, he could certainly find his way to the active roster sooner rather than later— especially considering the team’s questionable depth at defensive back. It’s very unlikely the Bucs will be getting back the Sean Murphy-Bunting of old, but there will always be value in a defensive player who has a nose for the ball and comfort in the scheme. Sean Murphy-Bunting has proven to be a ball hawk that comes with a résumé of success in Todd Bowles’ defense.
