The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made 37 moves on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here’s a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: Isaiah Johnson won the fourth safety spot over seventh-year safety Keith Tandy, arguably the most versatile player in their defensive backfield and a key special teams player. Two years ago, Tandy played a key role in the Bucs’ five-game win streak, with four interceptions during that span. He and Lavonte David had been the only remaining members of the Bucs’ 2012 draft class. Johnson played in four games last season, registering four special teams tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The Bucs also released special teams captain and reserve defensive back Josh Robinson in favor of Ryan Smith. Smith showed strong performances in kickoff and punt coverage in 2017, and can serve as a backup cornerback (Smith’s struggles have been well-documented, but he did start 10 games last season), whereas Robinson has played almost exclusively on special teams. Of note, the Bucs’ roster now features 21 newcomers, with 10 having a year or less of experience and all eight draft selections making the cut.
Watson and Martino clinch final receiver spots: Coach Dirk Koetter said wide receiver would be the hardest of all the cuts to make because of improved depth. The Bucs parted ways with Bernard Reedy, who made their opening day roster last season, and Bobo Wilson, instead going with Freddie Martino and Justin Watson. Watson started training camp with a hamstring injury, but wowed with his physicality and playmaking, catching two touchdowns in the preseason. For Martino, his versatility has been what’s most appealing. Wilson is a likely practice squad addition after making great strides in the past year. He’s got rare speed, but at times has been inconsistent in practice.
O-line surprises: Injuries to the Bucs’ offensive line complicated some roster decisions. Left tackle Donovan Smith‘s status is still up in the air for Week 1, but versatility was ultimately the priority. The Bucs kept Adam Gettis and Mike Liedtke. Gettis had started at left guard in the third preseason game and at center in the fourth game, and he’s seen action in 17 career games since 2012. Liedtke started at left tackle when Smith and Leonard Wester both suffered injuries and established he can play all five positions along the offensive line, a rare commodity in today’s NFL.
Bucs moves: Released: CB Josh Robinson, LS Garrison Sanborn, S Keith Tandy; Waived: QB Austin Allen, DT Nathan Bazata, OL Cole Boozer, WR Donteea Dye, CB Javien Elliott, LS Drew Ferris, DE Demone Harris, LB Nigel Harris, G Ruben Holcomb, TE Tanner Hudson, S Godwin Igwebuike, TE Austin Johnson, T Jarron Jones, DL Davonte Lambert, S Josh Liddell, CB Marko Myers, LB Eric Nzeocha (International Pathway Player), DE Patrick O’Connor, RB Dare Ogunbowale, DE Evan Perrizo, WR Ervin Philips, T Givens Price, RB Devine Redding, WR Bernard Reedy, DT Adam Reth, T Brad Seaton, T Jerry Ugokwe, TE Matt Weiser, WR Bobo Wilson; Waived/injured: CB Amari Coleman, OT Cole Gardner; Injured reserve: LB Devante Bond (foot), LB Riley Bullough (foot); Reserve/Non-Football Injury List: LB Kendell Beckwith.
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