The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released four players on Tuesday, in what could signal the team entering a rebuilding phase after a disappointing 2-4 start to the 2019 season.
The group was headlined by active roster players wide receiver Bobo Wilson and reserve linebacker Davante Bond. Outside linebacker Demone Harris and running back Darius Jackson were also released from the practice squad.
Wilson’s release follows two muffed punts on Sunday in a 36-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Bruce Arians cited the general lack of production from the team’s punt returning unit as the reason for the move.
Wilson had averaged 2.8 yards per return.
Last week, the Buccaneers released veteran Deone Bucannon as a prelude to rookie Devin White’s return to the field –– a move that should also net the team a third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Kwon Alexander in free agency.
Bucannon’s roster spot was filled when offensive lineman Nate Trewyn was promoted from the practice squad before the team’s trip to London. The vacancies created by Tuesday’s releases have yet to be filled.
The players that fill those spots could be telling as to the team’s current mindset. While adding experienced veterans could signal the team has not yet given up on competing this season, adding young developmental players could be an indication that the team is now looking towards the future.
If the team is, in fact, entering a rebuilding phase, then valuable assets such as O.J. Howard could be moved ahead of the NFL’s Oct. 30 trade deadline.
The next two weeks could be very consequential for the future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
