Reports: Wisconsin safety D’Cota Dixon to join Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Big news this Mother’s Day weekend for a former Wisconsin captain, as The Athletic’s Greg Auman reported on Saturday night that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers “are signing” safety D’Cota Dixon after their rookie camp.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s Chris Boyle also reported on Saturday night, mere minutes after Auman’s tweet, that the Badgers defensive back signed with the NFC South franchise.

The team has not officially announced the signing yet.

Dixon made a lasting impression on the Wisconsin program and its fanbase both on and off the field. In his UW career, he played in 51 games (32 starts)—recording 177 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, five interceptions and 16 pass breakups.

One of those interceptions came on an iconic pick to clinch a 16-14 win over then-No. 5 LSU at Lambeau Field during the 2016 season opener.

Last season, he claimed the 2018 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award and consensus third-team All-Big Ten honors after playing in nine games (all starts). He finished 2018 with 43 tackles, 2.5 for loss, along with three pass breakups.

After the season, he participated in an East-West Shrine Game practice, then competed in the NFL Combine and Wisconsin’s pro day.

Dixon joins offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel (Detroit Lions) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (Philadelphia Eagles) as Badgers who were not drafted but have reportedly found homes on NFL rosters heading into OTAs and training camp.