When Deven Thompkins was released a month ago by the Bucs, it seemed like an odd move at the time. Thompkins had a minor hamstring injury at the time, but it was one that would’ve healed up by training camp, so outright letting him go didn’t make much sense.

Then a TikTok video by Thompkins’ estranged wife, Maria Castilhos, went public that accused Thompkins of abuse with physical injury and it may have explained why the Bucs were so quick to let him go. Here is the video.

Thompkins has denied these allegations and has now filed a lawsuit against Castilhos claiming these allegations over him are false and he is seeking damages in excess of $50,000. You can check out the court documents, which were filed in Lee County, Florida, for the proceedings.

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

A statement was also made by Deven Thompkins’ attorney, Brett Gallaway.

“We believe the detailed and concerning allegations in this complaint speak for themselves and speak volumes. While we respect and support all survivors of domestic violence to speak out, the facts in this matter represent a disturbing blackmail scheme wherein Ms. Castilhos threatened Deven with fabricated allegations of domestic violence unless he met her financial demands for additional alimony in a pending and contentious divorce proceeding. We look forward to litigating this case and bringing to light the truly fictitious nature of these claims so Deven can return to the football field.”

Deven Thompkins Bucs’ Career Was Just Average

Deven Thompkins played two seasons for the Bucs as a wide receiver and kick returner after being an undrafted free agent out of Utah State. As a rookie he appeared in five games making five catches for 32 yards and rushing twice for 26 yards. He did carve out a role as the Bucs’ main kick and punt returner, averaging 21.9 yards per return on kickoffs and 10 yards per punt returns.

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

The following season Deven Thompkins continued his role as the primary returner and his role increased a little bit more in the offense. He played a full 17 games last season, recording 17 catches for 83 yards and his first career NFL touchdown while also being used in several end-around run plays, rushing eight times for 56 yards total.

His kick and punt returns remained around a similar average with 20.4 yards per return on kickoffs and a 9.4 average yards per return on punts.

A crowded room has come about with the Bucs’ wide receiver as of late. Thompkins and fellow undrafted free agent Kaylon Geiger were mostly practice squad players for the Bucs when entering the league two seasons ago. Then last year the Bucs went with another undrafted free agent in Rakim Jarrett that made the practice squad while sixth-round pick Trey Palmer was a mainstay on the roster.

This offseason, the Bucs drafted Jalen McMillan in the third round. Not long after parting ways with Thompkins, they signed Cody Thompson and Baker Mayfield’s former Oklahoma teammate, Sterling Shepard.

These two signings likely signify that the possibility of Thompkins returning to the Bucs is not in the cards, but never say never. The Bucs have a lot of competition coming up at receiver with only a spot or two available on the depth chart.