3 Bucs Veterans on the Roster Bubble

With training camp now just mere weeks away, the Buccaneers will begin the true evaluation of which players deserve to make the final 53-man roster, in addition to the 16 spots on the practice squad.

With the spots of several veterans and draft picks already assured, some good talents are bound to get squeezed off the team. What notable names might see a pink slip in their future? It’s far too early to know for sure, but these are some names to watch extra closely in the preseason.

TE Ko Kieft

Kieft, a sixth-rounder in 2022, has done well to “grit” his way onto multiple iterations of the Buccaneers. He’s made his name on solid blocking, but the statistics leave a lot to be desired, recording just 8 catches for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns in 33 career games — and just one catch in 2023.

As the team transitions to a new(ish) system under OC Liam Coen, it seems likely that they’ll run fewer two-tight end sets than they have in the past. With Cade Otton the undisputed TE1 right now, TE2 will receive greater focus and need to make their limited snaps count more.

Kieft will need to fend off second-year player Payne Durham, and the team also drafted Washington’s Devin Culp in the 2024 NFL Draft. David Wells has bounced between the practice squad and active roster the last couple years, and Tanner Taula spent all of last year on the practice squad.

Kieft will need to show clear development as more than just a “meat and potatoes” guy if he wants to keep his hold.

DL Mike Greene

Tampa’s defensive line depth is in a decent place with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, and William Gholston, but the coaching staff is likely hoping for some increased competition for the final “guaranteed” spot.

There really isn’t any way to sugarcoat it — Mike Greene was one of the worst defensive linemen in football player last season. He played in 10 games and even started 2, and he made just 6 total tackles with no pressures, hurries, or sacks. His 40.4 grade from Pro Football Focus lends credence to both the stats and the eye test.

He’ll see competition from C.J. Brewer, who spent most of 2024 on the practice squad, newcomer Eric Banks, and possibly others. Greene’s feet aren’t truly to the fire yet, but the bar to clear is set and he’ll need to perform.

EDGE Randy Gregory

This one might be cheating a little bit since he just got here, but it doesn’t make this fact any less true — the pressure is on Gregory to impress right away.

Not long removed from a starting role and a hefty free agent contract, Gregory’s star has fallen significantly since getting cut by the Denver Broncos less than 2 years into a 5-year deal worth $70 million.

After finishing out 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers, the 31-year-old came to Tampa on a one-year deal worth $3 million. He then promptly filed suit against the NFL, alleging discrimination for being fined for THC use. He followed that up by skipping mandatory mini camp, and nothing has been heard about the matter since.

So, yeah, not a rousing start!

With young players itching for playing time and cap space being precious, Gregory needs to: A. actually show up to training camp and B. show he’s more than just a warm body. Can he rekindle some of his old magic, or has his career gone up in smoke? Time will soon tell.