The makeup of the Bucs 2018 roster is already starting to take shape and it is only February with some subtractions.
Of course when you finish 5-11, change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The Bucs have already parted ways with starters Doug Martin and Chris Baker, and recently declined to tender cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah and linebacker Adarius Glanton. And on Monday it was reported the Bucs will not pick up the 2018 contract of center Joe Hawley. Hawley gave way to Ali Marpet at center in 2017, but was still a valuable backup who saw action last season after injuries ravaged the Bucs offensive line.
Hawley started 31 games for the Buccaneers after being signed as a free agent in 2015.
By allowing Hawley to become a free agent, the Bucs will save $2.5 million in cap space in 2018. Tampa Bay must also decide if they want to sign guard Kevon Pamphile and Evan Smith who split time as starters last season.
Tampa Bay now has around$73 million in cap space entering free agency that kicks off in March.