Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BUCCANEERS SIGN KPEENU AND MCDANIEL

Aug 17, 2026 at 07:48 AM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today signed running back Barika Kpeenu and safety Robert McDaniel. Additionally, the team has waived/injured safety Marcus Banks and running back Kadarius Calloway.

Kpeenu (5-10, 213) played collegiately at North Dakota State University (2022-25), appearing in 47 career games and rushing 434 times for 2,283 yards (5.3 avg.) and 32 touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 369 yards and two scores. Kpeenu enjoyed his most productive season in 2025, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition and third-team FCS All-America honors after rushing for a career-high 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns on 191 carries (5.3 avg.). His 20 rushing touchdowns ranked fourth in the FCS and were the most by a North Dakota State player since 2014. Kpeenu was also a member of the Bison's 2024 FCS national championship team. The West Fargo, North Dakota, native will wear No. 49 for Tampa Bay.

McDaniel (6-2, 207) originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Washington Commanders on May 9, 2025. He spent his rookie season on Washington's practice squad and remained with the Commanders until he was waived on August 11, 2026. McDaniel played collegiately at Jackson State University (2019, 2024), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2020-21) and Alcorn State University (2022-23). During his final collegiate season at Jackson State in 2024, McDaniel appeared in 13 games and recorded 55 tackles (10 for loss), five passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles while helping the Tigers capture the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship. He earned Phil Steele All-SWAC recognition and participated in the 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl. The Jackson, Mississippi, native will wear No. 39 for Tampa Bay.

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