Buccaneers Sign NC State LB Caden Fordham as UDFA

NC State linebacker Caden Fordham has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The P4 tackle leader is heading to Tampa!#1Pack1Goal | #PackPros pic.twitter.com/9TVlUByQfC

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) April 26, 2026

Fordham is coming off a monster season, finishing with 143 tackles — the second-highest total in the nation and the most among Power Four players.

He added 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact the game at every level of the defense.

His 143 tackles are the most by an NC State defender since Earl Wolff recorded 145 in 2012.

Fordham’s performance earned him Third Team AP All-American honors, making him just the fifth linebacker in program history to receive All-American recognition. He joins a notable group that includes Vaughan Johnson, Levar Fisher, Nate Irving, and Payton Wilson.

Now, he’ll bring that production and instinct to Tampa Bay as he looks to carve out a role at the next level.