Last month after former Bucs wide receiver Deven Thompkins was released, allegations of domestic violence were levied against him by his wife, Maria Castillos. In response to Castillos’ claims of being abused, Thompkins filed a lawsuit on June 21 in the hopes of clearing his name and returning to the football field. There was a positive step toward that coming to fruition on Monday.

NFL Clears Deven Thompkins From Wife’s Accusations

Bucs WR-KR-PR Deven Thompkins – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Per Fox Sports’ Greg Auman Monday afternoon, Deven Thompkins was cleared by the NFL after “the league did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”

Following that post, Auman added that “Thompkins and Maria Castillos are in [the] process of getting a divorce. She has removed videos from social media alleging abuse from him.”

It was these videos that originally circulated on social media that explained why the Bucs might have chosen to release him at the time. But now that the league office has announced that he will not face punishment, it allows Thompkins to quickly get back on track and continue his career.

Deven Thompkins Returning To Bucs Is Unlikely

Although Deven Thompkins was the Bucs starting kick and punt returner last season and also had a bit of an impact as a wide receiver (17 receptions for 83 receiving yards and a touchdown), don’t expect him back in Tampa Bay in 2024.

Bucs WRs Deven Thompkins and Trey Palmer – Photo by: USA Today

After he was waived with an injury designation, head coach Todd Bowles kept the door open for Thompkins to return.

“Well, he was injured and we needed some healthy bodies, so we’ll take care of that,” Bowles said after the move was made. “The door is open. We understand it’s a tough business and he understands that, as well. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

That was until the allegations came out and before things changed in the wide receiver room.

Not only did the team bring in veteran Sterling Shepard to round out the position after he was recruited by quarterback Baker Mayfield, but other players have taken return reps and thrown their hats in the ring. Kameron Johnson, an undrafted free agent rookie, has even started to generate some buzz and has impressed the Bucs so far this offseason.

What does that mean for Thompkins?

Well, in a game of musical chairs at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart, Tampa Bay has found other players to fight for the No. 5 and No. 6 spots, leaving him unlikely to re-enter the mix right before the start of training camp. With the new kickoff rule raising the demand for returners though, Deven Thompkins could make his return to the NFL – with a new team.