EXCLUSIVE: With Tom Brady out, Buccaneers looking to cut three big names, including Leonard Fournette, to deal with $55M problem
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are $55 million above the salary cap and have the worst scenario in the entire league as they enter the offseason. They will be compelled to release some key players, which will have a significant effect on the team.
With Tom Brady's retirement, the Buccaneers might become the worst team in the NFC South, which is really something given the division's weakness. Moreover, the franchise might release three big-name players, one of which is running back Leonard Fournette.
As per an NFL insider who spoke exclusively to Sportskeeda:
"Highly placed NFL sources tell me that the Buccaneers, who are $55 million over the salary cap, will part ways with RB Leonard Fournette, TE Cameron Brate and OT Donovan Smith before the League new year begins on March 15."
Next season, Leonard Fournette is expected to contribute $8.4 million to the cap hit. Cameron Brate and Donovan Smith are expected to contribute $4.9 million and $17.9 million, respectively.
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans will earn the most money on the Bucs' current roster, and it is possible the franchise will trade one of them if they believe the squad is incapable of contending, which is quite likely.
Mike Evans, who is already 29 years old and would prefer to play alongside a veteran quarterback on a contending team at this stage in his career. He will be a player to keep an eye on.
The Bucs lost in the NFC Wildcard Round to the Dallas Cowboys and it ended what was a very poor season for them. Tom Brady soon announced his retirement, and with that, the franchise has some tough decisions to make.
Teams with the least projected cap space for the 2023 season (via ESPN)
1) #Buccaneers -$58.1 million
2) #Saints - -$47.4 million
3) #Browns -$20.8 million https://t.co/PpugpaPwCJ
Buccaneers' 2023 cap space muddies QB situation
The Bucs are expected to give Kyle Trask a shot as starting quarterback next season since they are unwilling to sign or trade for any veteran quarterback in the league.
Considering the Buccaneers are so far above the salary cap, it will be difficult for them to accomplish much this upcoming season. But it will allow them to build a good squad for the future.
Update: The #Buccaneers are likely to start Kyle Trask at quarterback this season, says @JeffDarlington
Tampa Bay drafted Kyle Trask in the 2nd round of the 2021 Draft https://t.co/Ev0S3YuQIT
If Trask doesn't play well, the Bucs will likely land a top draft pick next year, which could help them get a quarterback like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. However, if Trask does play well, then the franchise can surround him with quality players quickly and can contend considering how wide-open the NFC is every season.