FRISCO, Texas — Keanu Neal is heading to the NFC South. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a signing on Wednesday, acquiring free agent hybrid safety/linebacker Keanu Neal on a one-year deal.
Neal will join veteran safety, Logan Ryan in Tampa’s secondary. He is expected to assume his natural position at safety after transitioning to linebacker with the Cowboys in 2021 under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Neal, 26, will be the likely replacement at strong safety for Jordan Whitehead.
Last season with Dallas, Neal played around 50% of the defensive snaps, accumulating 72 combined tackles (44 solo). He was part of the linebacker rotation in nickel packages and second-year linebacker Jabril Cox is poised to take over Neal’s role after recovering from last year’s torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Neal made the Pro Bowl in 2017 with the Falcons after posting a career-high 116 tackles, four tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. The Florida product was the model cover three strong safety for Atlanta and was solid against the run in the box, preventing ball carriers from breaking past the second level. His relentless pursuit of the ball and downhill range will impact the Bucs’ defense.
Injuries have derailed his otherwise ascending career. Neal tore his ACL in the 2018 season opener and tore his Achilles in Week 3 of the 2019 season. He made a comeback and played 15 games in 2020, missing one due to a hamstring injury. Last season, he signed a short-term, cap-friendly deal with the Cowboys. The deal provided Neal the opportunity to showcase his flexibility post-injury, while benefiting the club in managing space under the 2021 cap.
Neal will now bolster the Bucs’ defense, providing versatility at both strong safety and as a weakside linebacker in a hybrid role.
