The Bucs made a few roster moves on Wednesday, May 22. In addition to signing rookie defensive back Tykee Smith, one of the team’s third-round picks, the team signed a new defensive lineman and released a veteran running back.

During the first week of the Bucs OTAs the team added defensive tackle Earnest Brown IV and waived running back Patrick Laird.

Bucs Sign DT Earnest Brown, Waive RB Patrick Laird

Earnest Brown IV, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle, originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round selection (No. 174 overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft. Brown has appeared in 12 career games for the Rams, making three starts and logging 14 tackles (one tackle for loss). He spent much of his time on L.A.’s practice squad and was briefly signed by San Francisco last February, but was released last May before training camp even started.

Bucs DT Earnest Brown – Photo by: USA Today

Brown joins a competitive room that features mainstays at defensive tackle in Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines and Will Gholston. Brown will be battling Mike Greene, C.J. Brewer, Eric Banks, Lwal Ugak and undrafted free agent Judge Culpepper for the sixth defensive tackle spot in training camp and the preseason.

The Aubrey, Texas, native played collegiately at Northwestern University (2017-20). He appeared in 40 career games in college and recorded 70 tackles (18.5 tackles for loss), nine passes defensed, seven sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

The 28-year old Laird has spent the past two years on Tampa Bay’s practice squad. He entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins.