3 Buccaneers Veterans Who Could Be Cut After the NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a major surprise, ended up making the biggest splash of the NFL offseason when they swapped out Jameis Winston for Tom Brady at quarterback. With the No. 14 pick in the draft and some holes in the secondary and along the offensive line, Tampa might need to part ways with these three veterans if it means that they can bring in some young blood in 2020.

3. CB Ryan Smith

Smith has been a solid contributor since 2016, but the special teams ace and slot corner is likely on his way out after the 2020 draft. Not only did Tampa draft seven defensive backs over the last three years, including Justin Evans, Carlton Davis, and Sean Murphy-Bunting, but they could look to draft another on Day 3. After recording just 11 tackles last year, Smith faces an uphill climb to stick around. The Bucs can also save $750K in the process if they let him go.

2. EDGE William Gholston

The continued presence of Jason Pierre-Paul and the emergence of Shaquil Barrett last year has forced Gholston into a backup role once again. He managed 38 tackles and one sack in 2019, but is that production really worth paying him over $10 million the next two seasons? Tampa could easily replace his production by picking a Day 3 edge rusher on a much cheaper contract, as the former Michigan State star has just 12 sacks in seven NFL seasons.

1. C Ryan Jensen

The Buccaneers actually have a chance to get out of the two remaining years on Jensen's contract, as they could cut him before June 1 without a single dollar in dead cap. While Jensen has been a rock-solid lineman during his two-year stint in Tampa, the Bucs targeting several of the top offensive tackle and interior OL prospects could mean that they are looking to replace him with someone a bit less expensive.