Buccaneers roster cuts 2016: Initial cuts include Major Wright

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their first 12 cuts as they move toward a 75-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, and the most surprising cut of the bunch is veteran safety Major Wright.

Wright was the team’s third safety the past two seasons, starting nine games under Lovie Smith after being signed in free agency in 2014. Wright hasn’t been a standout safety, but he’s been a competent veteran who does his job. With Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald as the starters, and Keith Tandy and fourth-round pick Ryan Smith as backups, there wasn’t a lot of room on the roster for Wright.

The Bucs also waived defensive tackle Travis Britz, cornerback Daniel Davie, wide receiver Andre Davis, offensive lineman Taylor Fallin, linebacker Jeremiah George, defensive end Martin Ifedi, running back Storm Johnson, defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, safety Kimario McFadden, punter Jacob Schum and tight end Tevin Westbrook.

Andre Davis is a bit of a surprise in that group, but the receiver hadn’t done much this preseason. Storm Johnson was a bit of a fan favorite, but was clearly behind Mike James and Peyton Barber in the battle for a third or fourth running back spot. Punter Jacob Schum was battling Bryan Anger, but lost that competition by a pretty wide margin.

The Bucs have to make two more moves to get to a 75-man roster, though they may also add a few players from the waiver wire over the next couple of days, too.