As a Buccaneers fan, I was thrilled to hear the news about the team’s roster moves following a weekend of practices. The Buccaneers have made strategic decisions that will strengthen their team for the upcoming season. They have signed new players and waived others, showing that they are committed to building a winning team. I’m excited to see how these changes will impact the team’s performance and can’t wait for the season to begin!
Buccaneers Make Roster Moves Following Weekend Practices
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been busy adjusting their roster following a weekend of practices. With the NFL preseason just around the corner, teams are finalizing their rosters and ensuring they have the right group of players to compete for a championship. The Buccaneers, who are coming off a Super Bowl victory, have made a few notable moves that could make an impact on their upcoming season.
Buccaneers Sign Offensive Lineman
The Buccaneers announced that they have signed offensive lineman Calvin Ashley. The 6’6″, 330-pound lineman played college football at Florida A&M and went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ashley started in 12 games at right tackle in his final season with the Rattlers and was an All-MEAC honorable mention.
While Ashley may not be a household name, the Buccaneers are always looking for offensive line depth. Last season, they were able to fend off injuries on their offensive line, but they can’t always rely on that kind of luck. During their Super Bowl run, the Buccaneers had a total of 10 offensive linemen on their roster, which shows they understand the importance of depth on the line.
Buccaneers Release Kicker
The Buccaneers announced on Monday that they have released kicker Jose Borregales. Borregales was an undrafted free agent and signed with the team in May. The kicker from Miami had a successful college career, converting on 83.3% of his field goals, including going 3-for-3 from 50 or more yards in his final season.
The release of Borregales leaves the Buccaneers with only one kicker on their roster, Ryan Succop. The veteran kicker had a successful season last year, making 90.3% of his field goals and all 52 extra-point attempts. While the Buccaneers may look to bring in another kicker for preseason competitions, Succop looks to be the starting kicker for Tampa Bay in 2021.
Buccaneers Sign Running Back
The Buccaneers have signed running back Troymaine Pope. Pope is a familiar face to Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who coached him in Arizona. Pope played in three games for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, rushing for 33 yards on 10 carries.
While Pope may not be a feature running back, he gives the Buccaneers depth at the position. Last season, the Buccaneers relied heavily on Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette, but both players dealt with injuries. Pope may not be an every-down back, but he can certainly fill in when needed.
Buccaneers Release Receiver
The Buccaneers have announced that they have released receiver Travis Jonsen. Jonsen was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Montana State in 2020, but he didn’t see any playing time last season.
While Jonsen may have been a long shot to make the roster, the move shows that the Buccaneers are looking at their receiving corps carefully. The team is loaded at receiver with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller, Jaydon Mickens, and Tyler Johnson. However, the release of Jonsen could mean that the Buccaneers are looking to bring in another receiver or that they have confidence in their current group.
Buccaneers Sign Safety
The Buccaneers have signed safety Curtis Riley. The 6’0″, 190-pound safety has played for four NFL teams, including the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. Riley has appeared in 49 NFL games and has recorded 72 total tackles, six pass deflections, and four interceptions.
Riley faces stiff competition at the safety position, as the Buccaneers already have Jordan Whitehead, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Mike Edwards. However, the addition of Riley gives the Buccaneers depth and experience at the position.
Conclusion
The Buccaneers are making moves to prepare for their upcoming season. The signing of Calvin Ashley and Troymaine Pope give the team depth in the offensive line and running back positions, while the addition of Curtis Riley adds experience to the safety position. The release of Travis Jonsen and Jose Borregales shows that the Buccaneers are carefully examining their roster and making tough decisions. With the NFL preseason about to begin, it will be interesting to see how these roster moves impact the Buccaneers’ play on the field.
