Shaun Wilson Is Cut; Why?

June 21st, 2019

Only one Wilson remains

Very interesting late-Friday roster move here on a couple of fronts.

First, Joe was told months ago, prior to spring practices kicking off, how much the Bucs’ new coaching staff was intrigued by second-year running back Shaun Wilson.

Consider what head coach Bucco Bruce Arians said about Wilson during the coaches breakfast at the NFL Owners Meetings in March. Arians said Wilson could be that in the hunt for a third-down back job because a review of 2018 practice film revealed him to be unable to be covered by Bucs linebackers last season. (Think about that deeply for a minute.)

Today, Wilson was cut.

And this comes on the heels of Arians telling the Ira Kaufman Podcast that he is fired up about his running backs corps, mentioning Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones, Dare Ogunbowale and 30-year-old reclamation project Andre Ellington. Undrafted rookie Bruce Anderson remains on the roster.

What happened to Wilson? Will he be scooped up by another team after word gets out that he couldn’t be covered by Bucs linebackers last season? Does this mean Anderson is climbing the ranks?

80 Responses to “Shaun Wilson Is Cut; Why?”

  1. 813bucboi Says:

    sounds to me like ROJO is READY!!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  2. 813bucboi Says:

    was he healthy at the end of camp?….was it an injury that led to him being cut?…..wasnt he undrafted as well?…..

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  3. Jean Lafitte Says:

    Bruce Anderson is what happened. I predicted that Anderson will make the 53 man roster. Next out the door will be Ellington.

  4. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Me thinks that when Bruce Arians told them at the end of mini-camp, “Don’t be one of those guys”, Wilson did something stupid.

  5. JimmyJack Says:

    I’m bummed. I really the small sample we saw from this kid.I was looking forward to seeing him this year.

    My guess is cutting him was not about talent or that he isn’t good enough.

    Did he park in Bruce’s golf cart spot?

  6. JimmyJack Says:

    Jean it seems doubtful they cut him over Bruce Anderson.

    Training Camp hasn’t started yet. Don’t you think they would judge them in pads before they make a decision?

    Strange time to cut somebody. Gotta be a reason and smells like a off field issue.

  7. DB55 Says:

    Agreed, couldn’t be bc of talent or lack there of. He seemed pretty effective when he was in the game, in comparison to others, of course.

  8. Calibuc15 Says:

    I’m guessing he’s a cap casualty with the impending signing of Devin White

  9. JWilBuc Says:

    Injured last season, and hadn’t participated in any off-season or mini camp practices, so there’s that reason.

  10. November's biggest slut Says:

    Dirk gonna pick him up watch

  11. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    “Arians said Wilson could be that in the hunt for a third-down back job because a review of 2018 practice film revealed him to be unable to be covered by Bucs linebackers last season. (Think about that deeply for a minute.)”
    .
    .

    Koetter just being Koetter. We all know how dumb he is with running backs.

    That said, sounds like he got caught doing something naughty.

  12. Hodad Says:

    Simple Joe. He was cut because he sucks! The unfortunate part is the five backs that are left aren’t exactly all stars either.

  13. AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    Wow….I liked his style last year and he was on my underdog list….wonder what the real story is….before TC…WOW !

  14. AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    $$$ to donuts he’ll show up in Atlanta

  15. Pancake block Says:

    Parked in coaches spot?

  16. DBS Says:

    And after all the other BS BA comes out and says our RB’s are OK. Now this. So the truth is? He really is not telling you.

  17. Bucsfanman Says:

    …..or, the Bucs know something that we don’t and are not going to take a chance on a fringe player. Maybe a “hassle” looming?!

    We need to stop settling for fringe talent anyway. I don’t know why fans are so enamored with him. As bad as Rojo was, he still couldn’t crack the line-up. Hmmmm!

  18. BringBucsBack Says:

    Probably let go because Rojo felt threatened, the same reason Fitzmagic was jettisoned. They wanted to protect the fe-fes of their favorite, highly-drafted boys.

  19. AwShbucs Says:

    It’s because he got beat out by Bruce Anderson who will win the role f 3rd down back. The kid has similar athletic traits to Kareem Hunt although hes not as thick as Hunt, and his tape dont lie, the kid is going to be a good NFL running back.

    Watch and learn.

  20. JWilBuc Says:

    Couldn’t have saved us too much against the cap as a UDFA. But then again if you are as strapped as we were/are I guess any little bit helps

  21. Magadude Says:

    I’d think maybe Anderson may be showing more, although six carries for 29 yards is almost five yards a carry, and I figured Wilson would be a good prospect at KR/PR. So I can only imagine that his shoulder injury may still be nagging him (just not enough to miss time); and they want to clear whatever cap space they can (still have a few to go, and $495K is a decent chunk to put towards rookie salary Devin White).

  22. First Down Tampa Bay Says:

    “Why?”

    Well because Shaun Wilson was nothing special. Plenty of other nothing-special RBs on the roster, who cares if Wilson is gone?

  23. Wesley Says:

    Well we don’t need 6 running backs, must have been out played.

  24. adam from ny Says:

    too much foot powder at mons venus … hmmmm

  25. JimmyJack Says:

    Bucsfanman…….I was a big Shaun Wilson fan. I thought he showed flash and though I saw potential there…………Thinking like that don’t mean you are enamored with the guy. I was just hoping to see him earn a bigger role and thought he could turn into a special player.

    As far as him not cracking the starting lineup that means next to nothing. Shaq Barkleys of the world aside there is a process to earning a heavy load of carries for low end rookies. Same process that every other team uses.

    1st you get a few looks in a real game……..then you gotta do something.

    2nd you start getting used more…….then you gotta show you can consistently flash.

    3rd if you make it through the 1st 2 steps you’ll be put into the game plan for a solid 15 or so play.

    You gotta pay your dues. Until then your unproven. Wilson not starting wasn’t a knock on his talent in the slightest…………I’ll also add that Dirk made a mistake by not letting Shaun Wilson move to step 2. In fairness maybe Dirk was planning on it before the injury but if you look at his films(all 4 carries) it was pretty good and worthy of more looks……..defiently moreso then RoJo(who also never moved to step 2 for different reasons).

  26. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    Any chance the BUCS are making room for Cleveland’s Duke Johnson?

    We know the Bucs and Browns have at least talked….. when trying to figure out McCoy’s fate.

    The Bucs recently cleared some cap room… and now this move with Wilson…

    The hassle Baker Mayfield started with Duke….

    Could Duke Johnson be coming to TB?

  27. JimmyJack Says:

    Could somebody please explain to me how Wilson got beat out by Anderson in underwear football?

    I’m not expert but I would have to think TC would be a better test. You know when they can actually tackle and avoid tackles. Plus what if somebody gets injured. Now you got 4 RBs and no competition.

    Makes little to no sense.

  28. JimmyJack Says:

    Tampa Bay Demon. I don’t know if it’ll be Duke but they gotta add somebody.

    By my count we got 4 RBs on the roster. There is no competition and I love how hard P.Barber hits(never discredit) but not much proven production after that.

  29. Jean Lafitte Says:

    By my count we got 4 RBs on the roster.

    count again

    Barber, Jones III, Ellington, Ogunbowale, Anderson

  30. Allbuccedup Says:

    BA probably didn’t like him like GMC.

  31. Race to 10 Says:

    Uh he said that back in March before getting him on the field in his system. Dude this is not some high profile player and likely what it means is either Bruce Anderson’s made him expendable or rojo is impressing that much. Wilson is undrafted player he’s not going to make or break our running back core. Good luck to him hope he latches on somewhere.

  32. JGhoti86 Says:

    Interesting for sure. They just like Bruce Anderson better, it seems. And I can’t say I blame them. He’s got kickoff return ability, natural hands and has good size and decent speed. An all-around style back. He was my “sleeper” running back this past year’s draft. Watch the tape!

  33. Race to 10 Says:

    Dont think browns will let go of Duke until their guy comes back from suspension and if he balls out they’ll probably try to get back more than he’s worth

  34. Todd Says:

    Rumor has it he parked in Arians parking spot.

  35. Elita Vita Says:

    Yep odd time to be cut. Put me in the camp that this may be paving the way for Duke to be coming Tampa. Sure hope this may be true.

  36. Isaac haggins Says:

    Watch the tape fellas in game situations while on the roster he just doesn’t look fast . Yes people on here say he is very quick , great hands , he looks fast in practice ……. well the little amount of game tape tells a tremendously different story so not a surprise and overdue . Not to say he doesn’t get into a system like at Duke and look great but under the Koetter RB death dense he didn’t look good at all. Ya practice but that is knowing things not reacting to things and he didn’t look good at all in live action .

    If you think he did your not calibrated correctly!!!

  37. Malcolm-Reynolds Says:

    It could also be that BA likes his running backs a bit bigger. Shaun was kind of a small back. I ALSO think like a few others that possibly another back could be in the works. Possibly a trade (Duke Johnson), or perhaps a free agent such as Jay Ajayi. I’d be happy with either.

  38. Jean Lafitte Says:

    Bruce has been sitting in his golf cart watching these guys while Wilson has yet to get on the field. All he has is film of Shaun to compare with and has concluded he likes what he going to start camp with. Not to say if Shaun’s not claimed, he could still land on the PS. He has eligibility. Bruce Anderson was the catalyst for this decision. He runs, he catches, he’s a returner and he has that second gear. …and probably most importantly, he’s healthy.

  39. JimmyJack Says:

    Maybe the answer to why Wilson was cut is just a very simple answer.

    Maybe they just need to make space on the roster. Someone above said that Wilson is still hurt and can’t practice. Didn’t even know.

    We can only bring so many players into TC and it just makes good sense to cut a player that is not able to practice to make room for somebody that can compete……..This is also a example of why complaining about depth is hollow critism.

    The depth is changing in front of our eyes and we just haven’t seen it yet. Our drpth literally forsnt exist yet. Claiming it is bad is a guess at best. Not a proclamation.

  40. JimmyJack Says:

    Now the question is who can they find to to take the new roster spot? I would argue that we look razor thin at RB now but couldn’t argue against a few other positions needed attention.

    Either way the best hope is that they contribute more then campmeat at whatever position they play. Wilson may have done just enough to deserve a story but whoever we add might be a nonamer that we won’t even know exists.

  41. westernbuc Says:

    It’s almost as if this coaching staff is full of sh!t.

  42. Ninety9buc Says:

    Obviously they are making room to sign another running back.
    (DUKE JOHNSON). This coming on the heels of Mike Evan’s restructuring his contract?

    Read the tea leaves fellas.

    Don’t be surprised to see Gholston cut next

  43. tnew Says:

    Easy… been hurt since last year. Hasn’t been a go for OTA’s or any team work outs. He’s an ok back. Guys like him can be found and BTW, please let him go to ATL.

  44. SOEbuc Says:

    Sad day for me. I really liked Shaun Wilson and thought he had potential. Might didn’t recover from his injury last year.

  45. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    BringBucsBack Says:
    “Probably let go because Rojo felt threatened, the same reason Fitzmagic was jettisoned. They wanted to protect the fe-fes of their favorite, highly-drafted boys.”
    .
    .

    RoJo feeling threatened = Reggie Bush 2.0.

    They found Wilson’s FiFi??

  46. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    November’s biggest slut Says:
    “Blahblahblahwhatever.”
    .
    .

    November’s a great month! Wazzup?

  47. Erik Hesson - Fine Artist - City of St Pete (formerly known as 'The Kwon Alexander of Bucs Fans') ***Rhealist, louden annoying, & tminimum are the worst posters ever!!! Says:

    Noooo, not our fastest RB and a guy that was supposed to be our 3rd-down back….

  48. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    adam from ny Says:
    “too much foot powder at mons venus … hmmmm”
    .
    .

    That was Drug Martin. Sheesh. (allegedly)

  49. Dusthty Rhothdes Says:

    BA is the barry melrose of the bucs. He came here thinking the bucs fans are just some yokels or hayseeds like the big dog you to say and that he can say whatever and the fans will suck it up. Like the realist always say regarding the sheep they will listen and the real fans know. This is a mess and BA is bad duk tape

  50. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    He ended last season on IR because of a torn up shoulder. My guess is he never fully healed and/or was not ready to take full contact hits once the pads come on. Just a guess, though.

  51. Clean House Says:

    We cut the guy with three pics in a game too! Adams! Licht is a buffoon, king of incompetence, lord of the side show dumpster fire clown show.

    Fire him yesterday

    I’m thinking of start rooting for the saints

    I have family who lives there and I lived there a few years-
    Don’t owe this piece of trash franchise a thing-

    I don’t do incompetence on the level of thievery and negligent malpractice-
    Treason

  52. Magadude Says:

    @CleanHouse…indeed you don’t owe anyone anything. Want the GM gone, fine. New coaches and QB, fine. New other players, fine. That’s what fans are about. You don’t have to be the eternal “yes man” who loves everything about your team. In fact, some of the best fans are very hard on them because they demand they succeed. But to be quite honest, ditching one team for the other based on recent history is a loser’s game. The Saints have been mostly awful for their whole history just as the Bucs have. You can be windvane or buckle in for whatever ride awaits.

    Frankly, the Saints have a dog poop stadium in a putrid city full of drunks, a deadbeat fan base, and sure, a good team at the moment. But when Brees goes (think he turns 72 this year), their long fall will start. What then? Houston?

  53. Todd Says:

    Clean House—

    “I’m thinking of start rooting for the saints.”

    Please do. You’re a moron who only has one gear. How clever, “Fire Licht, fire Licht, fire Licht.” Grow a brain.

    This site would benefit from “addition by subtraction” if you became a Saints fan and got the hell out of here.

  54. Bob in Valrico Says:

    I liked the potential of Shaun Wilson also. The injury in a very limited role has to be part of the decisionto cut him,IMO

  55. onetrickpony Says:

    Uber driver involvement ?

  56. Bob in Valrico Says:

    MAGA,
    No denying the loss of Breez will affect their offense. But unlike our Bucs in previous years, They have also focused on their defense which has some pretty good players on it.

  57. Magadude Says:

    @BobValrico…agree…their D is looking good for sure. They are currently a better team than the Bucs overall. But part of the good D as I’m sure you know is the O keeping them off the field. I did like it better a few years back when the D was terrible though.

  58. Magadude Says:

    @Todd…why do you keep trying to run people off? I think this site is fine as is…where people can say what they want. If anything, you are the one offensive for calling people names and telling them to leave.

  59. m0j0 Says:

    Hopefully they sign him to the practice squad.

  60. Jameis Almighty! Says:

    Wilson didn’t do anything stupid. Kill that noise. He will have a great career somewhere else.

  61. passthebuc Says:

    We saved the price of 2 cups of coffee in cap space.

  62. O'Kane Conwell Says:

    Remarks about practice coverage have a secondary implication of possible weakness in linebackers who can’t deal with second tier Wilson.

  63. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    Jameis Almighty,

    Agreed. Lets not assume something like the kid did something stupid.

    Really unfair to him. Hoping nothing but good for his future.

    Now let’s go get Duke Johnson.

  64. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I liked Shaun Wilson, but there can only be a few reasons he was cut:

    • he did something off the field that we don’t know about yet, or

    • Bruce Arians would rather keep one of ‘his’ guys, no matter who is better, or

    • Bruce Arians was being truthful and the RBs are looking great, but Wilson was just the lesser of them (doesn’t means he bad, just that the others are better.

    The one that would bother me most is the second one.

  65. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    • Oh, and the Bucs could be about to announce the signing of a RB FA or getting one in trade.

  66. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    I really do like Peyton Barber, by the way. And i am encouraged by BA’s thoughts on Rojo. Also intrigued by Anderson.

    Just thinking maybe Duke perfectly rounds things out.

    However, wondering if we are better served to spend our little bit of cap money on some OL depth.

    Duke…. or OL? —– thoughts?

  67. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    @Magadude

    I agree about the Saints, except that its possible they could find a good replacement before he goes. Much like the Packers did with Favre.

  68. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Also, Wilson’s injury could be worse than is known.

  69. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Tampa Bay Demon Says:
    “Now let’s go get Duke Johnson”

    Why?

    I mean, sure, he is good at catching the ball, but we need to run the ball. And his stats don’t say he is good at that.

    Sell me on it, I’m objective right now.

  70. richbucsfan Says:

    813bucboi Says:
    June 21st, 2019 at 4:17 pm
    sounds to me like ROJO is READY!!!!!

    ———————————————————-

    Ready? Ready for what? Dinner?

  71. FortMyersDave Says:

    No Shaun Wilson means more of an opportunity for Bruce Anderson to get some carries. Of course, Buc Bonzai could be right too in that the Bucs will have other RBs in camp via trade or FA by the time August rolls around……

  72. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Being intrigued about a guy before they see him practice vs after they see him are two different things. They were intrigued, they saw him, they’re not intrigued anymore.

  73. BucFan727 Says:

    Clean House I thought you are a Saints fan now? What gives? Back for some more misery? Couldn’t stay away? Or are you a Saints fan trolling?

  74. jjbucfan Says:

    Cut him early, hope nobody notices and put him on the practice squad. Thought he was a pretty decent special teamed. Maybe Ogbunwale beat him out, he runs tough

  75. BucFan727 Says:

    Let’s hope its Duke. And they make some more moves to build the depth. If they say there playing for a ring then they should be doing everything possible to land tallent this year. Lets hope its a starting Guard and a quality RB.

  76. Magadude Says:

    @Bonzai…yes, they find a good QB. I figured they’d have drafted one by now. Payton sure a knack for offense. Hope they go back to Saints of old though for obvious reasons!

  77. TC Says:

    Bruce Anderson of Ruskin, FL is destroying his competition.

  78. Pittsshore Says:

    Big point missed: it was the Bucs LB’s that could not cover him in PRACTICE. End of atory

  79. BucitList Says:

    I can’t help but wonder why the Bucs don’t trade Cameron Brate to the running back heavy Patriots for Sony Michell (since they took Damien Harris in the draft this year and still have Burkhead, James White and some other guy).

  80. Joe Says:

    BucIt:

    I can’t help but wonder why the Bucs don’t trade Cameron Brate to the running back heavy Patriots for Sony Michell

    Belicheat isn’t senile yet.