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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Veteran Offensive Tackle

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 3/8/23

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers release another veteran

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in 2023 will be mostly unrecognizable from the 2022 team. The Buccaneers are tearing down the roster after quarterback Tom Brady retired this offseason. The team parted ways with running back Leonard Fournette last week. The Buccaneers released a veteran offensive tackle this week.

According to Jeremy Fowler with ESPN, the Buccaneers released l eft tackle Donovan Smith Tuesday.

Source: #Bucs are releasing LT Donovan Smith.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 7, 2023

Smith had been with the Buccaneers since the team drafted him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He struggled overall last season, earning a 58.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Smith was graded decently for pass protection but struggled to run block in 2022.

Smith signed a deal worth $31.8 million last offseason. However, the Buccaneers needed to release Smith to save on cap space. According to Over The Cap, the Buccaneers are over $49 million in the red. Smith should be able to find employment easily in a limited free agency for offensive tackles.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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