Buccaneers cut seven-year veteran to comply with roster limit
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew defensive back Ross Cockrell could help them in 2020, but they probably didn't expect to receive the amount of help Cockrell actually provided. The seven-year veteran helped stabilize the Buccaneers secondary in both 2020 and 2021, but unfortunately, a deep defensive backfield that includes plenty of options at the nickel […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew defensive back Ross Cockrell could help them in 2020, but they probably didn't expect to receive the amount of help Cockrell actually provided.
The seven-year veteran helped stabilize the Buccaneers secondary in both 2020 and 2021, but unfortunately, a deep defensive backfield that includes plenty of options at the nickel and safety position have left Cockrell out in the cold.
Per The Athletic's Greg Auman, Cockrell was among the Buccaneers' roster cuts on Tuesday. They, along with the other 31 NFL teams, have to trim rosters from 90 players to 85 by 4p.m. ET this afternoon. Per Auman, the Buccaneers' cuts also included guard Curtis Blackwell, WR Kameron Brown, tackle Jonathan Hubbard, and outside linebacker JoJo Ozougwu.
Tampa Bay signed Carl Nassib on Monday, so it had to waive Ben Beise, as well.
Cockrell started four games for the Buccaneers last year and played at both nickel and safety. The Buccaneers now have multiple options at nickel and they have four safeties that will make the 53-man roster in Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan, and Keanu Neal.
Meaning, there just wasn't any room for Cockrell. Releasing him, now, gives him the best chance and the most time to get into another camp, learn the playbook, and make an impression in hopes of earning a roster spot.
Featured image via Max Gersh/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
