Tampa Bay must trim its roster to 53 players by Sunday evening, and while many of the decisions will involve players who entered training camp fighting uphill battles, the Buccaneers' improved depth could also lead to a few surprising names being left off the initial roster. Here are three players who could find themselves on the wrong side of the numbers.
Of all the potential cuts, Sean Tucker would probably be the most surprising. Tucker has shown he can produce when given opportunities, and he led Tampa Bay with eight touchdowns last season. He also brings value on special teams and has averaged 5.1 yards per carry over his first three NFL seasons. The issue is Josh Williams's emergence and the $3.5 million price tag Tucker carries. That's quite the price for an RB3, especially with Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell firmly established as Tampa Bay's top two backs. Tucker and Williams are competing for one spot unless the Buccaneers keep four running backs. Todd Bowles admitted Saturday that the competition went "back and forth" throughout the preseason and called it a tough decision. Williams getting offensive snaps ahead of Tucker during the preseason finale was also noteworthy. Tucker's track record makes him difficult to move on from, but roster construction and cost could ultimately work against him.
Payne Durham has been a regular part of Tampa Bay's offense over the past three seasons, but the changing makeup of the tight end room could put him in a more vulnerable position than expected. Cade Otton remains entrenched as the starter, while rookie Bauer Sharp has continued to make a case for a role. Even though he has shown more than his more direct competition, Devin Culp, Ko Kieft being healthy adds another body to the room who contributes on both offense and special teams. Durham's biggest argument is his blocking. At 6'6 and 253 pounds, he has provided the Buccaneers with a physical presence at the position and has experience playing meaningful offensive snaps. But if Tampa Bay believes Sharp can eventually handle some of those responsibilities while offering more upside, Durham could become an unexpected casualty of the numbers game.
Josh Hayes has survived Tampa Bay's final cuts in each of the past three seasons largely because of his special teams ability, but this could finally be the year his roster spot becomes vulnerable. Hayes has been one of Tampa Bay's most consistent special teams contributors and has also provided emergency depth in the secondary. But Tampa Bay has added more young talent to its secondary, creating a situation where the Buccaneers could prioritize upside at cornerback rather than keep a player primarily for his special teams role. Ayden Garnes and "Pepe" Williams have made the most of their opportunities with the starting corners dealing with injuries and have turned conversations of the corner room being a weakness to being one of their strengths. Hayes' experience and value in the kicking game still giv
Of all the potential cuts, Sean Tucker would probably be the most surprising. Tucker has shown he can produce when given opportunities, and he led Tampa Bay with eight touchdowns last season. He also brings value on special teams and has averaged 5.1 yards per carry over his first three NFL seasons. The issue is Josh Williams's emergence and the $3.5 million price tag Tucker carries. That's quite the price for an RB3, especially with Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell firmly established as Tampa Bay's top two backs. Tucker and Williams are competing for one spot unless the Buccaneers keep four running backs. Todd Bowles admitted Saturday that the competition went "back and forth" throughout the preseason and called it a tough decision. Williams getting offensive snaps ahead of Tucker during the preseason finale was also noteworthy. Tucker's track record makes him difficult to move on from, but roster construction and cost could ultimately work against him.
Payne Durham has been a regular part of Tampa Bay's offense over the past three seasons, but the changing makeup of the tight end room could put him in a more vulnerable position than expected. Cade Otton remains entrenched as the starter, while rookie Bauer Sharp has continued to make a case for a role. Even though he has shown more than his more direct competition, Devin Culp, Ko Kieft being healthy adds another body to the room who contributes on both offense and special teams. Durham's biggest argument is his blocking. At 6'6 and 253 pounds, he has provided the Buccaneers with a physical presence at the position and has experience playing meaningful offensive snaps. But if Tampa Bay believes Sharp can eventually handle some of those responsibilities while offering more upside, Durham could become an unexpected casualty of the numbers game.
Josh Hayes has survived Tampa Bay's final cuts in each of the past three seasons largely because of his special teams ability, but this could finally be the year his roster spot becomes vulnerable. Hayes has been one of Tampa Bay's most consistent special teams contributors and has also provided emergency depth in the secondary. But Tampa Bay has added more young talent to its secondary, creating a situation where the Buccaneers could prioritize upside at cornerback rather than keep a player primarily for his special teams role. Ayden Garnes and "Pepe" Williams have made the most of their opportunities with the starting corners dealing with injuries and have turned conversations of the corner room being a weakness to being one of their strengths. Hayes' experience and value in the kicking game still giv
7 hours ago
