From undrafted longshot to preseason star, Ayden Garnes is turning heads in Tampa Bay. After a game-changing pick-six, he remains laser-focused on clinching his roster spot.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie cornerback Ayden Garnes has been one of the team's most pleasant surprises during training camp.
Garnes has gone from an undrafted practice squad hopeful to a probable roster lock in short order. It seemed like he was making plays and standing out every single practice. His strong play started as a surprise but quickly became expected.
Then came Friday's preseason game against the New York Jets. Garnes made the play of the game with his 47-yard pick-six off Jets quarterback Bailey Zappe. The pick-six tied the game at 10 and propelled Tampa to victory.
With potential starting cornerback Benjamin Morrison missing most of OTAs, minicamp, and the first couple of weeks of training camp, Garnes has gotten more opportunities to show what he can do and has made the most of them. It has become almost impossible for the Bucs to leave him off the 53-man roster.
Making the team has been Garnes' goal. In fact, it has been his only goal. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, the rookie out of Arizona said earning a roster spot has been his singular focus since he came to Tampa. He said he doesn't care whether he's the first player to make the squad or the last; all he wants is to make the team. After he accomplishes that, he can start worrying about his place on the depth chart.
"It would be, obviously something I dream of, but something I wouldn't be shocked about. I came here to win a job. I [don't] care if I [am] the last person on a depth chart or the first person on a depth chart. I came here to win a job and nobody is going to get in my way for that. I told my family, '[You all] can talk to me in September when all of this is over.' I just want to have a clear mind and that's what I have. I have a clear mind and one goal. Two goals actually; continue to get closer with this organization and make this team."
Well On His Way
Garnes is well on his way towards achieving his goal. Questions about the Bucs' secondary, especially the young group of cornerbacks who are talented but unproven, have persisted throughout the offseason.
Morrison can't seem to stay healthy. Although only in his second year, he is already facing enormous pressure to have a good season and prove he can stay on the field. Jacob Parrish had a great rookie season last year, but is now switching from the slot to outside corner. Zyon McCollum is looking to rebound after a very disappointing 2025 season.
Garnes' ascension could provide a huge boost to the secondary, and would serve as excellent insurance for any potential time Morrison misses during the season.
Final Thoughts
Garnes had a clear goal since arriving in Tampa. He was going to do everything he could to make the team and wasn't going to let anyone or anything distract him.
He has quickly become a fan favorite. His playmaking has been easy to notice and has remained consistent throughout camp. The story of Garnes donating his bone marrow while in college, which saved a young woman's life, has also been brought into focus, showing that he is a terrific young man as well as a terrific football player.
It would be shocking if Garnes doesn't accomplish his goal of making the Bucs. He has been one of the team's shining stars throughout training camp and looks like a lock to make the roster. Once it is official, Garnes can set a new goal for himself to earn meaningful playing time.
If the past weeks has taught us anything about Garnes, it is to not bet against him being able to achieve his goals.
