Josh Hayes

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		47	—	3	67
2025		17	0	0	15
2024		15	0	3	35
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Buccaneers secured solid value with Josh Hayes' four-year, $4.0M deal ($1.0M AAV), earning a C CVI that reflects appropriate compensation for an unproven cornerback with upside potential. At just $1.0M annually, Tampa Bay is paying backup-level money for a player who could develop into a reliable starter, creating meaningful upside if Hayes can establish himself in their defensive system. The minimal $0.2M guarantee shows smart risk management by the front office, essentially giving them a low-cost lottery ticket on a young corner without significant financial exposure. This contract structure allows the Buccaneers to evaluate Hayes over multiple seasons while maintaining flexibility to move on if he doesn't progress, or reap substantial value if he develops into an above-average starter. For a team that has consistently found gems in the secondary, this represents the type of calculated gamble that can pay dividends — Hayes gets time to develop while Tampa Bay secures potential cornerstone depth at a fraction of what proven commodities command.

Performance Analysis

Josh Hayes earns an F grade as a cornerback struggling to hold onto a roster spot with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's secondary has undergone significant turnover, which should create opportunities, but Hayes hasn't been able to capitalize on the openings. His coverage skills in limited action have been below the standard needed to earn consistent snaps in the NFL. The Buccaneers need their young defensive backs to develop quickly, and Hayes is falling behind that timeline. He's a practice squad-level player whose path to the active roster narrows with each passing week.