Buccaneers release Tiquan Underwood, Najee Goode

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released wide receiver Tiquan Underwood and waived linebacker Najee Goode to make room for defensive tackle Chris Jones and wide receiver Russell Shepard. Jones is likely to be a backup at nose tackle, while Shepard is an offensive weapon with some potential, but who needs to learn the intricacies of playing the wide receiver position in the NFL. We have more on their signings here.

Who the Buccaneers chose to release to make room for those two players is of more interest, however. Underwood was a productive part of the Bucs' offense last year, posting 28 catches for 425 yards and two touchdowns. However, he was never a factor on special teams, and struggled with consistency and dropped passes.

Najee Goode was the team's fifth-round draft pick last year, but has never looked like much more than a run stuffer at linebacker. He pays the price for that now with his release, although the Bucs could bring him back and place him on the practice squad if he clears waivers.

More from Bucs Nation:

• Buccaneers Practice Squad 2013: Chris Owusu, Deveron Carr, Jace Daniels and other get another chance
• Buccaneers claim DT Chris Jones off waivers, add Russell Shepard in some capacity
• Buccaneers Season Preview 2013: Q&A with SB Nation
• Lawrence Tynes slams Buccaneers, files grievance over MRSA-infection
• Daily Bucs Links: Lawrence Tynes is angry