Buccaneers Should Move on From Chris Braswell

It’s time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to move on from outside linebacker Chris Braswell.

Braswell was the 57th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his latest preseason performance and to be honest his entire time in Tampa has done little to suggest he deserves a roster spot.

Ronde Barber Called Out Chris Braswell

Braswell caught the eye of Bucs great and WFLA-TV Channel 8 game analyst Ronde Barber.

“Yeah, the one guy that I’m looking at right now on defense is No. 43,” Barber said via JoeBucsFan of Braswell. “He’s been here for three years now. [The Bucs have] got a lot of depth in that outside linebacker room. He’s playing in the second half. If there’s a battle at that position, it’s going to be him for a roster spot. So keep an eye on him. He’s definitely going to need to make some impact play.”

That impact never came during Braswell’s opportunity. He played close to an entire half without appearing on the stat sheet.

Braswell Has Failed to Make an Impact

Not half a tackle, not half a sack, no pass breakup, and no tackle for loss. Nothing.

It was like Braswell didn’t step on the field. That’s especially concerning after Barber specifically pointed to him as someone to watch.

There were plenty of times when Braswell was pushed out of plays. I also saw plenty of times when he over-pursued during the pass rush.

There were a couple of plays where Braswell looked on track to make something happen. However, the play ended without him making an impact.

Buccaneers Should Move On

Braswell’s special teams contributions could factor into the roster decision. However, those contributions may not be enough if his defensive performances continue looking like this.

The Buccaneers have plenty of depth in their outside linebacker room. If Braswell continues failing to make an impact, his roster spot becomes difficult to justify.

Barber said Braswell needed to make some impact plays. He had nearly an entire half to do exactly that.

Instead, he disappeared.

If Braswell continues these kinds of performances, no matter how he’s viewed as a special teams contributor, he’s not going to make this roster at the end of the month.

Reality Check 

Stop holding on to guys who obviously aren’t up to the task. I’m not sure if it’s Braswell or the system or a combination of both, but it’s time.

Cut him, trade him, but get him out of here. With all the talent you’ve added Jason Licht it’s time to do some addition by subtraction.