The Buccaneers announced today they have released safety Tanard Jackson after failing a physical. Jackson had shoulder surgery in January and was not rehabbing the injury as diligently as possible and missed the first week of the team's offseason program, which began on April 2.

“As an organization we have decided to terminate – with a failed physical – Tanard Jackson,” Dominik said. “This was a decision we decided to make for the football team and just for our organization. We obviously talked to Tanard today and wished him the best on his future endeavors and with his next organization, but it’s something we felt like we wanted to do and needed to do.”

Jackson rejoined the Buccaneers last October 11 after serving a 56-week suspension for violation of the leagues substance abuse policy that caused him to miss 19 games. The suspension was Jackson’s second of his career. Dominik made it clear the release was in no way drug related or related to past issues with failed drug tests. In 2011, Jackson was second on the team with two interceptions, in addition to posting 46 tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery after returning to action against New Orleans.

Jackson entered the league with the Buccaneers as a fourth-round pick (106th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft. For his career, Jackson started 56 games recording 324 tackles, 10 interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and two touchdowns.

“What is important to us as an organization is the growth of our football players and how the handle the on and off the field (stuff) to become the best Buccaneer possible,” Dominik said. “That’s what we’re looking for. To become the best Buccaneer possible – that’s what growth is. We want the growth of this football team to accelerate – and that’s what this is about.”

Jackson, who signed a one-year contract extension last year, was scheduled to earn $2 million in base salary and this move clears an additional $2 million in salary cap space.

The move leaves the Bucs thin at the safety position with only Cody Grimm, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, along with unproven players in Ahmad Black, Larry Asante and Devin Holland. Tampa Bay could also move recently re-signed cornerback Ronde Barber to safety as he does have some experience playing the position.

– Scott Reynolds contributed to this story