TAMPA BAY – The writing was on the wall for Bradley Pinion after the Buccaneers drafted punter Jake Camarda in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
It wasn’t a matter of “if” the Buccaneers would eventually release the veteran punter, it was a matter of “when”.
That moment came Wednesday when NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the Buccaneers officially decided to part ways with Pinion.
The #Buccaneers are releasing P Bradley Pinion today, source says. Tampa drafted Jake Camarda in the fourth round. Pinion, who kicked and punted through a torn hip labrum and hip impingement last year, passed a physical yesterday. Expect multiple teams to have interest.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 22, 2022
Pinion handled kickoffs, punts, and was the Buccaneers holder during field goal attempts. He never really established himself as anything more than an average punter, at best, during his time in Tampa Bay and his kickoffs were affected in 2021 by injury. Pinion’s last game with the Buccaneers, the playoff loss to the Rams, saw him make multiple mistakes that really hurt the team.
To be fair, Pinion dealt with injuries throughout the 2021 season, however, his overall inconsistencies are the catalysts behind his release.
The move will open up $2.9 million in cap space for the Buccaneers. Camarada will be relied upon to handle the same responsibilities Pinion had.
Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
