Tampa Bay Buccaneers Begin Roster Cuts

Aug 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker

(51) reacts after he made a tackle against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Update (6:46PM 30/08)

It took a while but the Bucs’ final cut is linebacker Brandon Magee.

Update 3:00PM 30/08)

The biggest surprise has arrived as return man Solomon Patton has been cut. Patton was widely considered to have had his spot on the roster secured but apparently that wasn’t the case.

Update (1:54PM 30/08)

Undrafted tight end Cameron Brate has been waived by the Bucs. Shortly after (2:16PM) the Bucs cut backup safety Major Wright in a somewhat surprising move. Wright had been dealing with a back injury which slowed his progress. The Bucs now have just four safeties on the roster. Tampa Bay must still cut two more players.

Update (11:30AM 30/08)

Defensive tackle Matt Masifilo has been cut. Less than an hour later defensive tackle Ronald Talley was also informed he’s been cut.

Update (10:59AM 30/08)

Jeff Demps was the first casualty Saturday as he has been released and quarterback Mike Kafka followed immediately. The Bucs still need to cut six more players by 4 p.m. Eastern.

Update (2:57PM 29/08)

The Bucs have made a huge decision as they have released kicker Connor Barth (and his $2 million salary + $1.15 million in roster bonuses) in favour of rookie Patrick Murray. Murray’s versatility could be at play here as he was an All-American at Fordham as both a kicker and punter and can handle kickoffs too.

Update (1:51PM 29/08):

The first big cut has come as the Bucs have severed ties with guard/tackle Jamon Meredith. The 28-year-old has basically fallen from starter at right guard to off the roster in a matter of weeks.

Original:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started making cuts as they work towards the 53-man roster limit by 4 p.m. Saturday.

The following players have been cut thus far:

CB Keith Lewis
FB Lonnie Pryor
LB Ka’Lial Glaud
DE T.J. Fatinikum
DB Marc Anthony
LB Nate Askew
CB Kip Edwards
DB Anthony Gaitor
DE Larry English
OT Edawn Coughman
OL Andrew Miller
OL Jeremiah Warren

The Bucs still must cut another 10 players to reach the 53-man limit. In the initial wave of cuts there aren’t too many surprises.

English looked promising at times and had two sacks during the preseason. In Thursday’s loss to the Redskins both Lewis and Askew had interceptions but apparently didn’t do enough to garner a roster spot. Glaud had 13 tackles during preseason and is somewhat of a surprising cut. However, the Bucs may be going with just five linebackers or of course could be adding someone else.

We’ll continue to update this story as the final cuts are made.