TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers set a flexible 53 that leans on a veteran secondary, ascending front talent, and a WR room headlined by Chris Godwin. The team cut a handful of depth pieces and stocked the practice squad with OL/WR insurance.
The biggest decisions
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Kept an extra outside corner to match divisional WR size/speed.
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Trusted young edge/LE talent to drive pressure alongside Calijah Kancey's interior disruption.
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Kept WR depth modest on the 53, planning to elevate from the PS as needed.
Initial 53 by position
Quarterback (2): QB1, QB2
Running back (3): Bucky Irving, RB2, RB3
Fullback (1): John Werth
Wide receiver (6): Chris Godwin, Nicholas Williams, WR3, WR4, WR5, WR6
Tight end (3): Daniel Bellinger, TE2, TE3
Offensive line (9): Luke Goedeke, James Daniels, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Austin Royals, plus four reserves
Defensive line/EDGE (9): Calijah Kancey, Shaquille Johnson, A.J. Epenesa, Tyrone Justice, LE/RE/DT depth
Linebacker (6): SirVocea Dennis, YaYa Diaby, Kevin Colon, LOLB/ROLB/MLB depth
Cornerback (6): Jamel Dean, Michael Carter II, Christian Izien, Arthur Timmons, plus two depth CBs
Safety (4): Richie Grant, S2, S3, S4
Specialists (3): K, Blake Gillikin (P), LS
Who was cut (notable)
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Depth WR battling for WR6
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Bubble OL (developmental guard)
Practice squad (initial)
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Isaiah Davis (HB)
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Elijah Klein (RG)
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Sean Middleton (RE)
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Brian Barlow (HB)
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Brandon Miller (CB)
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Jerry Bolden (WR)
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Marcus Banks (FS)
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Jared Meadows (WR)
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Jerry Wiley (CB)
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Matthew Lasley (LG)
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Greg Harrison (DT)
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Glenn Herrell (RT)
What it means
The Bucs balanced win-now starters with clear contingency plans. A heavy CB/DB tilt respects NFC South matchups, while the DL rotation features youthful upside next to Kancey. Godwin remains the passing-game anchor; expect PS elevations to cycle through WR6 and OL depth early. If the edge group doesn't consistently win, look for a midweek veteran workout window.
