Veteran backup quarterback Ryan Griffin and return specialist Jaydon Mickens were among the Bucs’ most prominent final cuts as the team trimmed its roster to the NFL’s 53-player maximum Tuesday (see roster below).
The roster maneuvering, however, isn’t finished. Four players (defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, kicker Ryan Succop and offensive linemen Nick Leverett and Earl Watford) remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list and don’t count against the 53-player limit. When they’re cleared to return, others will have to depart.
Most of the released players must go through waivers. Those who clear waivers are eligible for the Bucs’ practice squad, which should be finalized later in the week.
The veterans no longer required to go through the waiver process (making them free agents immediately) are Mickens, Griffin, defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter, cornerback Antonio Hamilton, linebacker Joe Jones, tight end Jerell Adams and running back C.J. Prosise.
Other notable cuts were cornerback Herb Miller, praised for his limited action (four games, one interception) in 2020; promising tight end Codey McElroy and seventh-round draft pick Chris Wilcox, a cornerback from Brigham Young who missed part of training camp with an undisclosed injury.
Wilcox was the only member of the Bucs’ seven-player 2021 draft class to be released.
Mickens, 27, averaged nearly 25 yards on 14 kick returns and had seven catches during the 2020 regular season, his first full year with Tampa Bay. His departure indicates the Bucs have settled on fourth-round draft pick Jaelon Darden as a primary return specialist and additional slot weapon in their expansive receiver rotation.
The departures of Wilcox, Miller and Hamilton (among a handful of players cut Monday) were prompted in part by the August emergence of Dee Delaney. A Miami graduate transfer who began his career at The Citadel, Delaney (12 preseason tackles, two interceptions) joins a cornerback rotation that includes Carlton Davis III, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean.
McElroy’s departure (though he could join the practice squad if he clears waivers) leaves the Bucs with three tight ends — Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard — on the roster.
Elsewhere, receiver Justin Watson was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, while injured offensive lineman Brad Seaton was waived.
Bucs restructure Evans’ contract
As they did a year ago, the Bucs also restructured the contract of receiver Mike Evans to create more salary-cap space. Evans was scheduled to earn $16.637 million this season, and much of that could be converted into a bonus.
The Bucs had about $158,000 of salary cap space, according to Overthecap.com. The money will be used for injured reserve, the practice squad and signing free agents during the season.
