3 Buccaneers players who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2024
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed this year’s free agency period exceptionally well, meeting fans’ expectations by retaining key players such as Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield, and Mike Evans—the top three priorities for the team.
However, as the frenzy of free agency settles, attention turns to the current state of the roster and which players might be at risk in the future.
Specifically, there are five players who are unlikely to remain on the roster by the end of the summer:
1. Cephus Johnson III, WR:
With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer firmly established as the top three wide receivers, the prospects for others like Rakim Jarrett and Deven Thompkins are limited. Johnson, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, is likely to continue in that role in 2024.
2. Patrick Laird, RB:
The emergence of Rachaad White alleviated pressure on the running back position, but there’s still room for improvement. With the hope that Sean Tucker progresses in his second year, Laird and Kenyan Drake might be replaced by a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.
3. Logan Stenberg, G:
The guard position remains a target for potential upgrades via the draft, putting Stenberg’s position in jeopardy. Having not played in a regular-season game since 2022, Stenberg is behind Cody Mauch on the depth chart, making his job vulnerable after the draft.
4. Eric Banks, DE:
Signing with the Buccaneers earlier this year, Banks finds himself at the bottom of the defensive end depth chart. With limited game experience since going undrafted in 2020, Banks faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the final roster.
5. Keenan Isaac, CB:
Isaac has been a practice squad player for the Buccaneers for about a year, making him a candidate for the end-of-roster position. Ranked fifth or sixth in outside corner depth, Isaac would need an outstanding offseason to secure a spot on the roster.
Overall, these players face uncertain futures with the Buccaneers, with their positions likely to be challenged as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
