Buccaneers re-sign returner Solomon Patton

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed returner Solomon Patton, as first reported by the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings and since confirmed by basically every other beat writer. Patton is being signed off the Cardinals' practice squad, and was previously on the Bucs' roster for six game as a return specialist, averaging 11.2 yards per punt and 23.1 yards per punt return.

The undrafted rookie was waived during the bye week, but the Bucs' haven't managed to get better returns out of their returners since then, having first signed Trindon Holliday, who was placed on injured reerve after one game, then trying Marcus Thigpen, who seemed to muff every other punt. Last game, Bobby Rainey got a shot. He at least didn't muff any punts, although he wasn't special, either. Which means now they turn back to Patton.

The Bucs' special teams performance has been a complete disaster this year, and the return position has been a massive part of that problem. Patton isn't going to fix that on his own, but I guess bringing him back can't hurt.

No one's reported on who will be released to make room for Patton, but it's likely to be one of the two recently-added tight ends D.J. Williams and Cameron Brate.