Tyler Johnson among cuts as Bucs go down to 53 players
Bucs cut 27 players to get down to the 53-player limmit
TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made some decisions on Tuesday to get their 80 player roster down to league max 53 players before the 4:00 p.m. EST deadline.
They made on trade, trading inside linebacker Grant Stuard to the Indianapolis Colts. The team later waived 20 players, including third-year wide receiver Tyler Johnson and second-year kicker Jose Borregales; waived/injured OLB Elijah Ponder; released four vested veterans, including safety Logan Ryan; and placed CB Rashard Robinson on injured reserve.
Johnson was a fifth-round draft pick in 2020. He had 48 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns in his first two seasons, but had stiff competition as the Bucs training camp receiving core was deep.
Tampa also cut young wide receivers Deven Thompkins, Kaylon Geiger and Jerreth Sterns.
The Buccaneers also waived safeties Nolan Turner and Chris Cooper, initially keeping only three safeties and five defensive backs overall, which suggests the possibility of further moves involving the secondary after Tuesday.
Here are all the moves Tampa Bay made on Tuesday to get their roster from 80 down to 53 active spots:
WAIVED:
- OLB Andre Anthony
- K Jose Borregales
- T Dylan Cook
- S Chris Cooper
- CB Don Gardner
- WR Kaylon Geiger
- DL Mike Greene
- TE JJ Howland
- G Sadarius Hutcherson
- WR Tyler Johnson
- RB Patrick Laird
- CB Kyler McMichael
- C John Molchon
- DL Benning Potoa’e
- DL Willington Previlon
- ILB J.J. Russell
- WR Jerreth Sterns
- WR Deven Thompkins
- S Nolan Turner
- OLB Jordan Young
WAIVED/INJURED:
- OLB Elijah Ponder
RELEASED:
- OLB Genard Avery
- QB Ryan Griffin
- S Logan Ryan
- DL Deadrin Senat
PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE:
- CB Rashard Robinson
TRADED:
- ILB Grant Stuard
All of the players the Buccaneers waived on Saturday will be subject to the waiver claim system over the next 24 hours. Those who clear will be prime candidates to return to the Buccaneers’ practice squad, which is now larger and more flexible than it has been in the past.
Each NFL team has 16 practice squad slots available, and the players are available for game-day elevation options allows the team to utilize those players frequently throughout the season.
The Buccaneers also ahve the option to fill practice squad openings with players from other teams.
