Buccaneers waive three players following loss to Bengals

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began their roster moves on Sunday afternoon, waiving three players. Tight end De’Quan Hampton, wide receiver Josh Pearson, and cornerback Cameron Kinley.

Kinley, of course was the player that missed rookie mini-camp and OTA’s while he awaited the Navy to overturn their decision to not grant his exemption to play in the NFL before finishing his service with the Navy. Kinley became a national headline, appearing on shows like the Dan Patrick Show and discussing his disappointment that the Navy wasn’t going to allow him the opportunity to play in the NFL despite allowing exemptions for other Navy graduates in the past.

Pearson was underwhelming in the Bucs’ first preseason game. He had no catches on two targets and dropped a big pass from Kyle Trask as the Bucs tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. In a receiver room loaded with the talent the Buccaneers have, it’s tough to make the roster let alone make it when you don’t stand out during preseason. Pearson didn’t make an impact on special teams either which could have helped his cause long term.

Hampton was in a battle for the final one or two tight end spots, up against incumbents Cody McElroy and Tanner Hudson as well as newcomer Jerrell Adams. Another player that didn’t stand out on special teams and that made him an expendable player come the first cut downs.

The Buccaneers have until Tuesday to cut their roster down to the required 85 players.