Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather didn’t remain jobless for long.
Just two days after the Buccaneers let Merriweather go, the Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad on November 20, offering the Michigan native a chance to return home and join a Super Bowl contender.
Merriweather made the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2023, starting two games as a rookie. In 2024, he played in nine games for Tampa Bay, primarily in a special teams role — a position that could prove valuable to the Lions right away.
“Merriweather played at Romulus and Belleville high schools, concluding his career at the latter,” MLive.com’s Benjamin Raven reported on November 20 after Merriweather signed with the Lions. “He was a star in both basketball and football before committing to Iowa as a defensive back. The Michigan native spent four years with the Hawkeyes, recording four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 118 tackles during his tenure.”
Michigan Native Was a Longtime Lions Fan Merriweather’s return home and potential Super Bowl victory could turn his release from the Buccaneers into a blessing — suggesting that he might have landed an even better opportunity.
Growing up in Michigan, Merriweather was a lifelong Lions fan, a detail that speaks to his loyalty. Born in Belleville, Michigan, in December 1999, Merriweather’s childhood saw some dreadful football seasons from the Lions. The team didn’t have a winning season from 2001 until 2011, when Merriweather was 12 years old.
That period included a winless 0-16 season in 2008.
“I definitely take pride in it, I think, you know, there’s me and two or three other people (from Michigan here), I believe,” Merriweather told Raven at the 2023 NFL combine. “So, I definitely take pride in it. I think we had a lot of talent in my class coming out of Michigan, so the fact that I’m one of few people here from the state of Michigan representing well is something I definitely take pride in. I did grow up a Lions fan. Man, it’s incredible to see the turnaround. I think they had a building season this year, and I definitely think they’re going to turn it around next year. I think they’re just going to keep building on top of what they’ve been able to do so far.”
Buccaneers Defensive Struggles Continue The Buccaneers are currently 4-6 after losing four straight games and holding onto their playoff aspirations amid injuries while fielding one of the league’s worst defenses. Heading into Week 12’s road game against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay ranks 31st in team defense and has allowed 21 passing touchdowns through 10 games, placing them 30th in the NFL.
This scenario is familiar for the Buccaneers. They were 6-8 in 2022, finishing 8-9 after a late-season surge and making it to the NFC Wild Card Round in Tom Brady’s final year. Similarly, they were 4-7 in 2023 but rebounded to finish 9-8 and win the NFC South, ultimately defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.
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