Jaelon

Darden

Darden is a returner, spending five games with the Seahawks in 2024. He returned 10 punts and seven kickoffs, not adding too much of a spark to the special teams unit. Seattle now chooses to move on at returner. The Seahawks also did not tender WR Cody White, LB Josh Ross or OLB Josh Onujiogu as exclusive rights free agents, making them unrestricted free agents.

Cleveland made a slew of roster moves. The Browns also placed T James Hudson III (shoulder) on IR, released WR James Proche II, and elevated S Chris Edmonds and WR Jaelon Darden from the practice squad for Week 6’s matchup with the Eagles.

Darden is a former fourth round pick by the Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’ll take the open roster spot the Browns had after waiving David Bell earlier this week. Darden is an additional weapon in the return game for Cleveland while Ford Jr. and Ifedi are depth pieces.

It’s a quiet list, with Foreman’s release being purely procedural.

The team was awarded Jaelon Darden off waivers, prompting them to put Schwartz on injured reserve to get an extra roster spot. Darden was waived by the Bucs earlier this week. He will likely take over Schwartz’s role on special teams.

The 2021 fourth-rounder has played just 146 offensive snaps over the past two years despite Tampa’s wideout situation being extremely injury-riddled in both years. He also offers kick return ability and between that and his early draft reports we wouldn’t be surprised if another team claimed him to kick the tires.

With Darden out and Tyler Johnson questionable due to a rib injury, John Brown is now the team’s third receiver. The Bucs only have three healthy receivers left in this game. Giovani Bernard will be the primary punt returner because of the Darden injury.

Tampa Bay will have cornerbacks Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis, and Sean Murphy-Bunting available together for the first time since the opening quarter of Week 1. With Darden inactive due to a concussion, the team could also opt to use Scotty Miller on punt returns and Giovani Bernard on kickoffs.

Mickens was the Bucs’ primary returner on both punts and kickoffs but he didn’t offer any utility on offense. Rookie receiver Jaelon Darden will take on those duties with Mickens no longer around.

If Antonio Brown misses Week 4, the Buccaneers with be down to Tyler Johnson and Jaelon Darden as their third and fourth wide receivers. Johnson is a capable third option, who would be a viable fantasy dart throw. Tampa Bay also has very good tight end depth. Miller will provide the Buccaneers with deep threat depth when he returns. He is first eligible to return for the Buccaneers Week 7 game against Chicago.