What Happened to Kindle Lee Vildor?
Kindle Vildor is an American professional football cornerback who has played for multiple NFL teams since being drafted in 2020. After stints with the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles (practice squad), Detroit Lions, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vildor signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots on March 19, 2026.
Quick Answer
Kindle Vildor is currently a cornerback for the New England Patriots, having signed a one-year contract with the team on March 19, 2026. Prior to joining the Patriots, Vildor spent the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he recorded 16 tackles and one interception in 12 games. His career has seen him provide depth and special teams contributions across six different NFL franchises since being drafted in 2020.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Atlanta, Georgia
Kindle Lee Vildor was born in Atlanta, Georgia.
College Career at Georgia Southern
Vildor played college football for the Georgia Southern Eagles, appearing in 48 career games and earning two First-team All-Sun Belt selections.
Drafted by Chicago Bears
Kindle Vildor was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Signs Rookie Contract with Bears
Vildor signed a four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears.
Records First NFL Interception
In a Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Vildor secured his first career interception off quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Placed on Injured Reserve
Vildor was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in late November.
Waived by Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears waived Kindle Vildor, ending his three-season tenure with the team.
Claimed by Tennessee Titans
Vildor was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans.
Signed to Detroit Lions Practice Squad
After a brief stint with the Eagles' practice squad, Vildor signed with the Detroit Lions' practice squad and was later promoted to the active roster.
Re-signs with Detroit Lions
Vildor re-signed with the Detroit Lions on a one-year contract.
Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vildor signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an unrestricted free agent.
Plays 12 Games for Buccaneers
During the 2025 NFL season, Vildor appeared in 12 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 16 tackles and one interception.
Signs with New England Patriots
Kindle Vildor signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, reuniting with head coach Mike Vrabel.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kindle Lee Vildor, born December 11, 1997, embarked on his NFL journey after a notable college career at Georgia Southern, where he was a two-time First-team All-Sun Belt selection and a Second-team All-American in 2018. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Vildor signed a four-year rookie contract with the Bears and primarily contributed on special teams in his rookie year, making his first NFL start in Week 15. He saw increased playing time in 2021 and 2022, starting 12 games in 2021 and entering 2022 as a starting cornerback. In 2022, he recorded his first career interception against Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings.
His tenure with the Bears concluded when he was waived on August 29, 2023. This marked a period of transition for Vildor, as he was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans the following day. However, his time with the Titans was brief, as he was waived again in October 2023. He then spent a short period on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad before being signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad in November 2023, eventually being promoted to their active roster. He re-signed with the Lions in April 2024, appearing in all 17 games and making two starts, where he produced career bests in opponent completion percentage and passer rating when targeted.
On March 13, 2025, Vildor signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an unrestricted free agent. During the 2025 season, he played in 12 regular-season games for the Buccaneers, recording 16 tackles and one interception. His role often involved providing depth at cornerback and contributing on special teams. As of March 19, 2026, Kindle Vildor has signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, reuniting with head coach Mike Vrabel, who he previously worked with in Tennessee. This move provides the Patriots with additional cornerback depth and special teams experience. Vildor's career has been characterized by his ability to adapt to new teams and contribute in various capacities within the secondary and on special teams, reflecting the challenging and often transient nature of NFL careers for non-starters.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kindle Lee Vildor made different choices?