Tampa Bay

Buccaneers

The Buccaneers also waived QB Connor Bazelak, OLB Chris Braswell, LB John Bullock, TE Devin Culp, TE Kenny Fletcher Jr., OT Marshall Foerner, DL Josiah Green, WR Matthew Henry, OLB Yasir Holmes, OG Nash Hutmacher, WR Jha’Quan Jackson, LB Nick Jackson, DL Jayson Jones, G Elijah Klein, RB Barika Kpeenu, OG Henry Lutovsky, S Robert McDaniel, CB Roman Parodie, WR Dean Patterson IV, K B.T. Potter, OLB Jack Pyburn, WR Eric Rivers Jr., S J.J. Roberts, OT Paul Rubelt, C Ben Scott, DL Travis Shaw, RB Josh Williams, S Rashad Wisdom and LB LB Javin Wright. The Buccaneers released QB Jake Browning, LS Scott Daly and S Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Buccaneers placed CB Josh Hayes and WR David Sills V on injured reserve.

The 2024 second-round pick never fully caught on in Tampa and was buried on the depth chart, with the team’s selection of Reuben Bain in the first round effectively sealing his fate. Braswell is likely to draw interest in the open market and could catch on as a pass rush developmental depth piece in short order.

The contract comes fully guaranteed as Tucker gets the stability he was looking for this offseason after entering 2026 on a restricted free agent tender of $3.52 million. Tucker presumably sits third on the depth chart at running back for the Buccaneers after the addition of Kenny Gainwell, a situation he has grown accustomed to during his time in Tampa. The pay cut likely stands as a boost to starter Bucky Irving after numerous reports this offseason called for a potential three-way timeshare in the backfield, something that now appears less likely given current circumstances.

The undrafted free agent rookie led the NFL with four preseason sacks this year. He is a candidate to land on a practice squad somewhere, if not in Tampa Bay.

Williams had a strong camp and even played ahead of Sean Tucker in a preseason game, causing some reporters to speculate that he could make the team’s 53-man roster over Tucker. While he likely earned himself a spot on the team’s practice squad if he clears waivers, Tucker remains the team’s RB3 heading into the season.

Tampa Bay also waived/released WR Dean Patterson, WR Eric Rivers, DL Jayson Jones, S Rashad Wisdom, S Xavier Williams, S Rob McDaniel, and DT Josiah Green. A 2024 seventh-round pick, Culp appeared in 13 games last year. He only caught one ball, but it was a six-yard touchdown. He is expected to sign with the Bucs’ practice squad if he makes it through waivers.

It was subsequently announced that Jake Browning has been released. A UDFA out of Kansas, Daniels impressed during training camp and the preseason. He completed 27-of-44 passes for 239 yards, one score, and no interceptions. Daniels also ran for a touchdown. With Baker Mayfield set to hit free agency after this year, Daniels could be worth stashing in Superflex dynasty leagues.

Jalon Daniels won the backup job in Tampa Bay. Browning was pretty unimpressive in 2025 and didn’t win a job over a rookie UDFA — it may not be easy for him to find a roster spot elsewhere.

Egbuka continues to deal with a minor toe injury. Bowles said in recent weeks that he was optimistic about Egbuka’s status, but also wasn’t sure if he’d be available for Week 1. Now he’s hopeful that the 23-year-old wide receiver will be available. The Buccaneers don’t seem too concerned about the injury at this point, making Egbuka a solid WR2 in fantasy drafts.

Tucker and RB Josh Williams competed for the Buccaneers’ No. 3 running back job all night. Tucker got the start, touching the ball on three of the first four plays. Unfortunately, the drive ultimately ended in a punt, as did almost all of the others. It was an unproductive night for the Buccaneers’ offense. Williams entered the game on the second drive, and the two players continued to rotate in and out thereafter. Williams rushed eight times for 21 yards. Tucker caught one pass for minus-one yard as well. Neither player really separated from the other in the box score. The team must now choose between the trusted, higher-priced veteran, Tucker, and the more affordable second-year player, Williams. If Tucker is released, it could allow “1A” RB Bucky Irving to hoard short-yardage and goal-line work, which would significantly boost his fantasy-scoring outlook.