After signing with the Bucs in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State, Thompkins, 24, primarily served as a practice squad member during his rookie campaign.

After being added to the active roster in December of that year, he participated in five games, gaining 32 yards from five passes caught, 61 yards from six punt returns, and 263 yards from twelve kickoff returns.

Thompkins played mostly as a kick returner in the previous season, but he also established himself as a more important offensive player. He participated in two postseason games and all 17 regular-season games.

Thompkins ran eight times for 56 yards and grabbed 17 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. In addition, he brought back 16 kickoffs for 327 yards and 25 punts for 234 yards.

That was plenty for the Bucs to re-sign Thompkins in March to a $985,000, one-year contract.

For the 2024 season, the NFL significantly changed the kickoff regulations. Thompkins might still have been given the opportunity, but he would have probably faced competition from a number of running backs.

The Bucs also selected Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan with a third-round pick.

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Thompkins may return to the Bucs’ injured reserve list before the 2024 campaign if he clears waivers.