The Bucs waived tight end Tanner Hudson on Tuesday as part of their cuts to get down to the initial 53-man roster. Hudson went unclaimed on waivers, but didn’t take long to find a new home. According to Greg Auman of The Athletic, Hudson has joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad.
Former Bucs tight end Tanner Hudson is signing with the 49ers’ practice squad.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 1, 2021
Hudson spent the first three seasons of his career with the Bucs after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Arkansas in 2018. After a year on the team’s practice squad, with two call ups, Hudson made the active roster out of camp in 2019. Last season saw Hudson start the year on the practice squad, before an injury to O.J. Howard elevated him to the roster for the rest of the season. The big tight end finished the year with 3 catches for 41 yards.
Signed to an exclusive rights tender in the offseason, Hudson once again showed great receiving ability during camp. However head coach Bruce Arians criticized Hudson, saying he had regressed as a blocker.
“Block somebody,” Arians said. “Anybody. Anybody. Alright? I know he can catch. He’s always been able to catch. But he just has to be consistent.”
Hudson will now get a new opportunity and a chance to make an impact with a different team. A fresh start is probably good for the young tight end. Hudson can clearly play, but perhaps the fit wasn’t right in Tampa Bay.