One day after their first preseason game of the season, the Bucs have released offensive lineman Evan Smith, per a report from Greg Auman of the Athletic. The move has been confirmed by PewterReport.com. Smith’s release saves Tampa Bay $2 million in salary cap space.

Smith played in seven games last season before going on the IR in November with a hip injury. He had surgery on both of his hips in the offseason but recovered in time to practice in training camp this offseason. By releasing him, the Bucs save $1.4 million on the cap.

After playing for the Green Bay Packers from 2009 to 2013, he signed with the Bucs the following year and had been one of the longest tenured Bucs on the current roster. This opens up a spot for some offensive lineman to compete for a second string position for players such as Josh LeRibus and undrafted rookie Nate Trewyn.

The Bucs are also thin at safety position, so the available roster spot could be filled with a player at that position.