Veteran wideout headlines two potential surprise cuts the Bucs could make after Dolphins game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into their final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, which unfortunately means final cuts are right around the corner.For the most part, the Bucs' roster is good to go when it comes to the starting lineup. Especially after Graham Barton was officially announced as the team's No. 1 center. […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into their final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, which unfortunately means final cuts are right around the corner.
For the most part, the Bucs' roster is good to go when it comes to the starting lineup. Especially after Graham Barton was officially announced as the team's No. 1 center. Sua Opeta's season-ending injury has given the left guard job to Ben Bredeson and Tykee Smith's strong summer has locked up the nickel spot. Those were the biggest questions heading into training camp/preseason when discussing the starting gigs.
There's a bit to sort out when it comes to depth, however, and these two guys might find themselves looking for a new home after Friday night's game against the Dolphins.
Two potential surprise cuts the Bucs could make after playing Miami
1. WR Sterling Shepard
The Bucs have one of the best WR duos in the league in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but the depth behind them is shaky because of the lack of experience. Outside Shepard, of course, who is entering his ninth NFL season.
But, at the same time, that doesn't mean his roster spot is guaranteed, at all. The Bucs' top-4 options of Evans, Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer are set. It appears that Rakim Jarrett is good to go to make the 53, as well. That already takes up the top-5 spots in case you're bad at math like I am.
Then, there's Cody Thompson and Kameron Johnson – two players that have really impressed the staff over the course of the last few months. Thompson has been very consistent and has logged special teams snaps, while Johnson is set to make his NFL debut on Friday night. If he lives up to the staff's expectations, there's a very good chance they go ahead and give him a roster spot.
Shepard just recently returned from injury, also, which definitely didn't help his case, even if he's been pretty solid. It's a lot like the Wolford-Trask situation: A strong night from Johnson could mean Shepard has to find a new home, himself, or he gets demoted to the practice squad.
2. QB Kyle Trask
I had Trask on my list as potential surprise cut before training camp began. It's mostly due to his ineffectiveness whenever he has taken the field, whether it be preseason or regular season. The kid just hasn't shown that he has what it takes to be a solid backup option in the NFL. That, along with entering the final year of his deal, makes him a candidate for this exercise.
There's also the fact Todd Bowles said before the Jaguars game that the competition for the QB2 job is still open. John Wolford, Trask's competition, has had an up-and-down summer, but has still shown plenty of flashes and is familiar with Liam Coen's offense. He wouldn't be a terrible option if he were the Bucs' QB2.
But, with that being said, Wolford has to play on Friday night and right now, that's uncertain. He's currently injured and was seen in a bucket hat on Tuesday after limited work on Monday.
There's definitely a world where Wolford is healthy enough to play against the Dolphins and then proceeds to play very well. If he does, it can certainly be enough to take Trask's spot as QB2, which would likely lead to the Bucs cutting the former second-rounder and probably stashing him on the practice squad.
