US Navy Denies Buccaneers UDFA CB Cameron Kinley’s Request For Waiver To Delay Commission

According to Adam Schefter, the U.S. Navy has denied Buccaneers CB Cameron Kinley‘s request to delay his commission. 

Kinley had applied for the waiver in order to pursue his NFL career. He signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of the Naval Academy. 

Instead, though, Kinley will now be required to commission into the Navy as an ensign, per Schefter. 

Greg Auman notes the U.S. armed forces have granted similar waivers to other players in the past, including as recently as last year with Dolphins WR Malcolm Perry, so this decision is a bit surprising. 

Jenna Laine writes that Kinley had a pick in rookie minicamp and drew praise from HC Bruce Arians, so it’s possible he would have had a shot at making the team. 

His agent released the following statement: 

With Bucs rookie Cameron Kinley being denied by the U.S. Navy a waiver to join the Bucs, his agent Ryan Williams-Jenkins issued this statement and quote: pic.twitter.com/hLRQ7dS974

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 7, 2021

Kinley, 6-2 and 204 pounds, signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Navy following the 2021 NFL Draft.

During his college career, Kinley recorded 88 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and 12 pass defenses in 27 career games.