Full Breakdown
Buccaneers Finalize 2026 Roster and Build Practice Squad
9/1/2026, 8:13:11 AM
Core Roster Decisions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed their 53-man roster on Sunday night, keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield as starter and promoting undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels to backup. The team released veteran backups Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak; Browning becomes a free agent while Bazelak is subject to waivers. Additional cuts included linebackers Chris Braswell, John Bullock, Jack Pyburn; tight ends Devin Culp, Kenny Fletcher; offensive tackle Marshall Foerner; defensive linemen Josiah Green, Travis Shaw; wide receivers Garrett Greene, Matthew Henry, Dean Patterson, David Sills (IR with return designation); and several defensive backs and linemen such as Roman Parodie, J.J. Roberts, and Paul Rubelt.
Practice Squad Composition
Under the NFL’s collective-bargaining agreement, practice squads consist of 16 players, with an International Pathway slot that does not count toward the limit. The Buccaneers could expand to 17 if they retain offensive tackle Paul Rubelt under the exemption.
Fox Sports reporter Greg Auman listed the following players as members of the practice squad:
- Offensive tackle Paul Rubelt (international exemption)
- Safeties Rashad Wisdom, J.J. Roberts
- Linebackers Javin Wright, Yasir Holmes
- Cornerback Roman Parodie
- Defensive ends/tackles Jayson Jones, Henry Lutovsky, Devin Culp
- Wide receivers Garrett Greene, Eric Rivers, Dean Patterson
- Tight end Devin Culp (if not on active roster)
- Running back Josh Williams
Key Position Highlights
- Quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield (starter) and Jalon Daniels (backup). Daniels posted a 61 % completion rate (27 of 44) for 239 yards, one passing TD, no interceptions, and a 14-carry, 37-yard rushing effort with a TD in the final preseason game.
- Running Backs: Kenny Gainwell, Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker. Irving, a 2024 rookie, led all NFL newcomers the prior season with 1,122 rushing yards and eight TDs.
- Wide Receivers: Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Ted Hurst III, Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson, Jalen McMillan – the first season since 2013 without Mike Evans on the depth chart.
- Tight Ends: Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Cade Otton, and rookie Sharp, who earned the final spot over Culp.
- Offensive Linemen: Graham Barton, Ben Bredeson, Benjamin Chukwuma, Dan Feeney, Luke Goedeke, Luke Haggard, Cody Mauch, Billy Schrauth, Justin Skule, Tristan Wirfs. Minor injuries to Chukwuma, Schrauth, Skule, and Wirfs’ recent hamstring issue prompted added depth.
Official Statements & Responses
Head Coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism that receivers Egbuka and McMillan would be healthy for Week One, allowing Godwin to retain his slot and giving Hurst a chance as an “X” receiver. General Manager Jason Licht noted that depth at offensive line and tight end reflects years of targeted drafting.
Data & Statistics
- 53-man roster: two QBs, three RBs, six WRs, four TEs, ten OL.
- Practice squad: 16 slots; potential 17th via Rubelt’s exemption.
- Preseason QB performance: Daniels 27/44 (61 %), 239 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 14 rushes for 37 yards and 1 TD.
- Roster cuts: Over 30 players released or waived, including all listed veterans and several draft picks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the practice-squad composition. The Buccaneers’ tracker lists Rubelt as an international exemption that could raise the squad to 17, while CBS Sports explains the NFL permits 16 players plus an International Pathway slot that does not count toward the limit. Both descriptions are accurate under the agreement, but the presentation creates ambiguity about whether Rubelt’s slot is counted within the 16 or added as a 17th player.
