Merriweather is an exclusive rights free agent who has totaled 38 tackles during his first two seasons with the Buccaneers. The former Iowa product has started seven of the 30 games he’s appeared in over his career and has played on 419 defensive snaps. Merriweather’s return gives the Buccaneers a reliable player on both defense and special teams ahead of next season.

Merriweather was lost in a roster crunch in November, and the Buccaneers are bringing him back with Jordan Whitehead and Mike Edwards dealing with injuries. He has two career starts and 24 tackles in 25 games with the Bucs so far in his career.