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Today marks the beginning of final cuts across the NFL. Bruce Arians said a few days ago that there were about 10 roster spots open on the Bucs’ roster, leaving plenty of room for new faces to make the team.
Who will make the final cut in 2019? Well, we will provide you with who doesn’t make the final cut below:
I’m told that the Bucs were not awarded any players off of waivers.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 1, 2019
One last move: Bucs are keeping veteran Darian Stewart at safety and releasing Kentrell Brice. Going with only nine defensive backs on the initial 53.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs are releasing veteran RB Andre Ellington. Will initially go with three backs in Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones and Dare Ogunbowale.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Surprising move by the #Bucs as they are waiving starting OLB and former 2nd round pick Noah Spence. With JPP out for at least 6 weeks, look for Tampa to add to edge depth.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2019
Rookie Matt Gay has won the #Bucs’ kicking job, Cairo Santos is being released.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived tackle Cole Boozer, who was the team's fourth tackle in preseason. Could be back on practice squad -- was pushed out as Bucs traded for Steelers backup Jerald Hawkins.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived tight end Jordan Leggett, per his agent, Michael Perrett. Former Jets TE had a touchdown in preseason. Means Tanner Hudson is on the 53 as long as Bucs carry four tight ends ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived rookie RB Bruce Anderson, who had 70 yards and a TD on Thursday in Dallas. Expected to go on practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived safety John Battle, who joined team mid-camp as an undrafted rookie from LSU. Could be back on practice squad. Down to 12 DBs on roster for 9-10 spots.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived safety Isaiah Johnson, so they're down to 10 DBs on roster. Johnson played 400+ snaps last year, contributed on special teams as well.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Bucs have waived corner Mazzi Wilkins, hometown kid from Plant and USF. Joined roster just before camp as undrafted rookie, but impressed enough that plan is to bring him back on practice squad after he clears waivers.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2019
Per the Buccaneers, these are the roster moves made on Friday;
Placed on waivers - S Lukas Denis, WR Matthew Eaton, CB De’Vante Harris, G Ruben Holcomb, OLB Farrington Huguenin, WR Anthony Johnson, OLB David Kenney, WR DaMarkus Lodge, ILB Corey Nelson, TE Scott Orndoff, T William Poehls, DL Elijah Qualls, T Brock Ruble, WR Spencer Schnell, ILB Emmanuel Smith, QB Vincent Testaverde, DL Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, G Salesi Uhatafe
Released - OL Josh LeRibeus, ILB Corey Nelson
Waived/Injured - WR K.J. Brent, WR Cortelle Simpson
Per Greg Auman of The Athletic, these were the first guys to go:
We've reported five cuts already for Bucs today: G Ruben Holcomb, S Lukas Denis, DL Elijah Qualls, LB Corey Nelson, DT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu. No surprises so far ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
Next up was defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter. Evan Winter has him making the final 53 on defense:
Bucs have waived-injured DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, as @caplannfl first reported. Bad break for player who was in position to make the 53. Potentially opens a spot for Pat O'Connor ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
Then Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times provided an update regarding Jason Pierre-Paul:
Bucs have placed Jason Pierre-Paul on the reserve Non Football Injury list, meaning he will not be eligible to play the first six weeks of the season.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 30, 2019
Rookie David Kenny’s name was on the cut list:
Bucs have waived undrafted rookie OLB David Kenney, who got a contract as a tryout player this summer after being out of football since 2015. Also a candidate for Bucs' practice squad …
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
Cortrelle Simpson was next on the chopping block:
Bucs have waived-injured receiver Cortrelle Simpson, an undrafted rookie from Richmond. Was limited by injuries during preseason as part of deep group of rookie WRs.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
And Salesi Uhatafe followed closely behind:
Bucs have waived former Utah guard Salesi Uhatafe, who had joined the team as an injury replacement during the preseason. St. Pete native played 31 snaps in last night's win in Dallas.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
William Poehls didn’t make it, either:
Bucs have told offensive tackle Will Poehls that he is being released. Played 38 snaps in last night's game. That's 10 confirmed cuts as Tampa Bay goes from 90 to 53 players.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
The linebacker corps shrank a bit after the release of Farrington Huguenin:
Bucs have waived OLB Farrington Huguenin, who played 44 snaps in last night's win vs. Dallas. Not many more cuts to make at outside linebacker as it stands ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
De’Vante Harris was soon let go after playing for the Bucs in 2018:
Bucs have waived CB De'Vante Harris, who had nine tackles in 10 games for Tampa Bay last season. Played well last night with six tackles in win against Dallas.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2019
We will update the list as more news develops!