What was reported earlier in the day on Friday became reality this afternoon, when the Bucs confirmed in a press release that they have released guard J.R. Sweezy.
The former Seahawk standout was signed as a unrestricted free agent prior to the 2016 season, but missed the entire year with a back injury. Sweezy returned to action last summer but never regained his pre-injury style of play, and was a disappointment before being placed on injured reserve with a broken bone in his leg late in the 2017 campaign.
Tampa Bay will save $6.5 million with the release.
Caleb Benenoch is thought to be in line as his replacement on the right side, and the Bucs also drafted Alex Cappa in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The #Buccaneers are releasing G J.R. Sweezy, sources say. Sweezy had been working his way back from a broken bone in his leg suffered late last year. Sweezy, 29, saw two years of a five-year deal he signed as a free agent in 2016. Missed that whole first season due to injury.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 29, 2018