Jobless 2025 Bucs Starters
August 31st, 2026
A couple of guys who combined to start 15 Bucs games last season have no team.
They were cut this weekend and are under 30 years old.
Joe’s been keeping an eye on guard Michael Jordan (9 starts) and offensive tackle Charlie Heck (6 starts). Jordan latched on with the Eagles late in free agency and Heck landed with the tanking and salary-strapped Dolphins.
Each guy was a key Bucs figure last season and found himself unemployed yesterday.
Joe’s thinks Jordan and Heck struggling to find work really illustrates what was happening on the Bucs’ patchwork offensive line last season.
This is not a Sterling Shepard situation. The veteran receiver caught 39 balls for the Bucs last season and was cut by the Texans yesterday. Shepard is 33. Jordan and Heck should be in their primes.
Joe hopes — there’s that word again — the Bucs found better O-line depth this season. Justin Skule, 29, is back for his second go as a Bucs backup tackle, though “Dangerous” Dan Feeney and Luke Haggard are back on the roster. Second-year tackle Ben Chukwuma, an undrafted free agent last season, should be improved. And rookie fifth-round pick guard Billy Schrauth is in the mix.
Joe would sleep better if the Bucs signed a solid veteran off the street today. Think Joe Hawley or Gosder Cherilus in the summer of 2015.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:29 pm
I thought Jake Majors had a better preseason as C/G prospect than Ben Scott did w/ the Bucs when they came in as UDFA’s together a couple years back
August 31st, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Joe … ‘Joe would sleep better if the Bucs signed a solid veteran off the street today.’
Me too. Besides a veteran OLineman, could we throw in a veteran CB for grins?
August 31st, 2026 at 1:32 pm
I have high expectations for Billy “don’t be a hero” Schrauth. A captain at Notre Dame. One would think that he can develop into a decent back up swing guard.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:33 pm
Doesn’t matter that they signed and played O Lineman that passed the under nose toilet paper test that it moved so they are good to go….. It is still Baker Mayfield’s fault
August 31st, 2026 at 1:41 pm
Dan Feeney should not be on this football team. He was almost literally a turnstile last season. Like a bullfighter shouting Ole and waving a towel as the DTs ran right by him or through him. Slowed them up about that much.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:47 pm
Lt. Dan Says:
I have high expectations for Billy “don’t be a hero” Schrauth. A captain at Notre Dame. One would think that he can develop into a decent back up swing guard.
………………………..
But can’t you stay healthy? I would love if he would stay healthy and become a solid backup.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:47 pm
Schrauth has been hurt how long? Not a 2nd rounder but he was injured coming out of college and that’s gonna stay his knock now.
I don’t know how much Joe or others got a look at Billy in camp. I’ve seen others report that Haggard was looking as good or better than Schrauth. With no preseason tape on him, a little surprised they didn’t think he would get to the PS.
I suppose if one of those S or CBs can get through easier, likely based on the dearth of line depth around the league.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:50 pm
Agreed and a veteran Quarterback
August 31st, 2026 at 1:50 pm
Sorry Joe, but Feeney, Skule, Chuke, Schrauth, aren’t much better. Schrauth hasn’t even hit the field. Drafted injured, remains injured. You counting on him for depth? Skules has been hurt, as has Chuke. When they did play, barely average. I see teams bolstering their rosters through trades, while Licht counts on these clowns. Rams boldly traded for Garrett, while Licht is counting on the likes of Walker, and Mohammed. That’s a real ROH GM, with one of the best coaches in the NFL. We have Licht, and Bowles. Imagine Schrauth blocking Donald, and Chuke, or Skule blocking Garrett? See the difference between a real GM, and Licht? Good players, and bad?
August 31st, 2026 at 1:57 pm
Yeah, the Oline reserves are a huge issue. Based on what we saw in pre-season games, Heck might be an improvement. He wasn’t good last year but he wasn’t terrible. Speaking of Shepherd, he had pretty good chemistry with Baker, with injuries to Egbuka and other receivers, maybe consider getting him back at least temporarily. And still waiting for the backup QB situation to clarify itself. I cannot believe they are going into the season with a guy who hasn’t taken a snap in a regular season game over Browning, who was a competent backup with Cincy.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Hodad
One of those can’t have it both ways.
If licht traded picks for backups a lot of people would rightfully be wondering next year, when Bowles is likely gone, why he gave up future picks for a lame duck HC in a lame duck year
August 31st, 2026 at 2:00 pm
So, the CHIEFS claimed Pyburn. Just heard on WDAE.
August 31st, 2026 at 2:01 pm
Hodad…. imagine the Rams backup OL blocking Vea and Bain or Kancey and Diaby.
What a talent discrepancy there to hey.
Rams are close to a SB… Bucs could be closer with different coaching.
When Licht thought he was close to a SB he signed Tom Brady, traded for JPP, signed Suh, traded for Gronk, acquired AB, drafted Wirfs and Winfield.
Quite a couple years for Licht and the Bucs there. How many SBs has Snead won in LA? the same amount as Licht right?
August 31st, 2026 at 2:04 pm
So, he’s not good enough for the BUCS, but is for THE CHIEFS. Lmaoooo.
August 31st, 2026 at 2:05 pm
I thought Jordan had a few decent moments last year but what a mess it was ,, I keep hearing Micky from Rocky yelling at Baker “Run for your life , kid” or “Stay down, Stay down”
August 31st, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Practice squad is almost full. Pretty much all familiar faces.
August 31st, 2026 at 2:21 pm
Saskbucs..
“ When Licht thought he was close to a SB he signed Tom Brady, traded for JPP, signed Suh, traded for Gronk, acquired AB, drafted Wirfs and Winfield.”
When Brady was rejected by the Niners and ended up here …Brady forced Licht to trade for JPP, sign Suh, trade for Gronk, acquire AB. He lucked out when Wirfs was available.
There fixed it for you. Licht is not a good GM.
August 31st, 2026 at 2:23 pm
KC Chiefs signed the sack leading DE , P something
August 31st, 2026 at 2:25 pm
Pyburn is on the Chiefs practice squad
August 31st, 2026 at 2:35 pm
HOW STUPID IS THE BUCCANEERS, THEY LET GO JACK PYBURN AND THE CHIEFS CLAIM HIM OFF WAIVERS, THAT’S WHY THAT ORGANIZATION HAVE WHET TO 3 OR 4 Super bowls IN THE LAST 8 TO 10 YEARS CAUSE THEY KNOW TALENT
August 31st, 2026 at 2:42 pm
pyburn rules!!! against third string tackles…
August 31st, 2026 at 2:46 pm
Is Pyburn not going to LSU?
August 31st, 2026 at 2:49 pm
“Brady forced Licht to trade for JPP, sign Suh, trade for Gronk, acquire AB. He lucked out when Wirfs was available.”
We traded for JPP in and signed Ryan Jensen in 2018.
Suh & Shaq were signed in 2019.
Before Brady was in Tampa.
It wasn’t even that long ago to be hard to remember.
August 31st, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Another swing and miss by the bucs again pyburn is going to be a beast for the chiefs thanks toilet bowls and JL for making this Another bad season Go bucs 2027! New coaches and players can’t Wait
August 31st, 2026 at 3:05 pm
I’m guessing he won’t be playing Sat night then? What a disaster , if you couldn’t risk losing Daniels from poachers cause of his preseason, the same could have been said for this kid who got poached! Could have let Feeney walk instead
August 31st, 2026 at 3:08 pm
Good enough for KC, but not the bucs????
August 31st, 2026 at 3:11 pm
You can’t claim a player for your practice squad – if he was on their practice squad the Bucs could just sign him to their active roster.
Anywho, I wonder what the deal is, if he told the Bucs he was going back to LSU and then changed his mind – or if the Bucs knew and released him anyways.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:11 pm
He’s not going to be a starter with KC. Which one of our OLBs are you going to cut in favor of keeping Pyburn?
August 31st, 2026 at 3:14 pm
@ Jmarkbuc & Saskbucs..
And, let’s not forget Fournette. LENNY. Every single bit of that was all orchestrated behind the scenes, to get him OUT of JAX. Never would’ve happened, if not for BRADY. 💯
August 31st, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Lenny played as big of a role at getting us another Super Bowl, down the stretch of that season, than anyone else did. He was a MONSTER. Running AND Catching. Wouldn’t have done it without him.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:31 pm
you losers need a life
August 31st, 2026 at 3:33 pm
Evan Neal is available.
Stud OT at Bama.
#7 Pick
3 years starting experience.
He would be a great back up for Luke … who you know will be out. He’s probably holding out for a starting gig but why no make the call?
August 31st, 2026 at 3:34 pm
@ D-Rome – I would’ve friggin’ MADE ROOM. I saw several. It was LAUGHABLE the other day, when Bowles said, “How DEEP They Were There.” LAUGHABLE. Even, Joe said in the article, that HE just “smiled” after Bowles said that. I mean, it’s ABSURD. And, on top of that… I really don’t care WHO the kid was going up against, because that is the ONE-THING, that we have struggled with FOR YEARS NOW. And, that is getting a Quarterback ON THE GROUND. They’re always, a day late and a dollar short… And, this kid DID THAT. He put ‘em on the GROUND. Not even accounting for his Tackles For A LOSS. Well, the CHIEFS must’ve SEEN SOMETHING. When, we just stick with the status quo… What has worked out just SO WELL for us. When, modern day organizations such as Coen and the JAGS continue to just churn-out and develop TALENT. We always play-it WEAK and SCARED. Every. Single. Time. WHEN, the modern day NFL rewards being AGGRESSIVE and BOLD.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:36 pm
Jack Pyburn college stats =126 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 1 interception in four years. So let me see if I have this right. This kid gets three sacks in four years against SEC competition. He gets four sacks in a couple of preseason games against tax accountants. Some on this here website view him as the second coming of Deacon Jones? Child puuleease! (he’s not that exceptional)
August 31st, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Pyburns on their 53 man roster. Smart move by the Chiefs.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Pyburn is on the chiefs 53 man roster..by rule . They thought enuff of pyburn to sign him and cut someone off their 53 man. He gave up his lsu option and chose the chiefs. Hmnn we will see how this turns out. Did the bucs make a silly mistake and let a pass rusher with juice go because of their stubbornness and hubris.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:47 pm
Easton stick is apparently the get qb in the practice squad. Don’t know anything about him but has apparently worked with Robinson
August 31st, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Jack Pyburn is nothing more than a “Preseason” wonder kid
We’re set at OLB, it would’ve been stupid to keep Pyburn
August 31st, 2026 at 4:11 pm
People treat these preseason games like it’s the Super Bowl
August 31st, 2026 at 4:13 pm
@saskbucs – buddy, that post is a GIANT lie…you think Licht went out and got Brady? That’s a KNOWN lie. Brady wanted SF first and Bucs were #2 on his list. He picked us not the other way around. Good lord, I can’t believe that there are fans that think Licht put that team together. Brady picked us and he brought AB, Gronk and Lenny with him. NOT LICHT!
Please folks…please…do not lie to us. That’s not cool. Licht is a 93-104 GM.
Don’t lie to us and feed us manure. No thanks.
August 31st, 2026 at 4:21 pm
D Rome, cut Walker instead of Pyburn. You people have been brainwashed by Joe, and PR to think Walker is something special, he’s not. What I saw, not what I’ve been told by websites, Pyburn looked better. What the heck is everyone seeing in Walker? How many sacks did Walker have against backups this preseason? Maybe he’s only unblockable going against Skule, Chuke, and Goedeke? He was more than blocked by other teams backups. Don’t get it. I’d be willing to bet if we had cut Walker instead, KC wouldn’t have been interested.
August 31st, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Hodad I would agree it really came down to Walker vs pyburn. Personally I don’t believe Walker really showed much in preseason. Came off edge quickly and got close a few times, but we have seen a little too much of that without the finish. Hard to say who the better player is from 3 preseason games and not coaching them. I hope Walker delivers, but I also wonder if he’s overhyped
August 31st, 2026 at 4:27 pm
Licht has to be one of the worst gms in the league especially at scouting and evaluating talent he does this every year and people still think he’sa ring of honor gm smh. He can only scout o line and wr, he’s been here 12 years and still ain’t found a franchise qb. He hasn’t even tried since Winston. It’s sad the low standards this franchise and fan base have.
August 31st, 2026 at 4:28 pm
Arguably, the play of the IOL backups killed the Bucs hopes last season. And two of those backups, Feeney and Haggard, are still on the roster. Haggard may be improving, but how many times does Feeney have to be bounced across the turf for the Bucs to realize he is awful.
August 31st, 2026 at 4:30 pm
I would have dumped Dennis for Pyburn….
August 31st, 2026 at 4:43 pm
I.love what we got on the Practice Squad
August 31st, 2026 at 5:03 pm
The Bucs signed Garrett Greene to the practice squad. Frankly, I’d much rather have Sterling Sheppard. Greene dropped a ton of passes this preseason and in camp. Sheppard was a very important go-to guy for Baker many times last season.
August 31st, 2026 at 5:09 pm
No it did not come down to..or have to come down to pyburn vs walker…the bucs could have kept 6 olbs..olbs do play special teams. Bucs need a better pass rush hell or high water. A 900K $ investment in a pass rusher is not bad business. Trends and common sense show having multiple pass rushers is not a bad idea. Al muhammed is probably a 1year rental, nelson is at the end of his career. Cant have enuff quality depth at that position, esp the bucs
August 31st, 2026 at 5:14 pm
People here seem to think there are unlimited moves with no consequences that can be made. The same people who can’t really say who they want the Bucs to cut from the 53 roster to make room for … lets see … a veteran corner, two more offensive linemen, a safety and a veteran quarterback ALSO are upset about the Bucs not signing Pyburn to the active 53 (to a position group that, believe it or not, might actually be a major strength of the team this season).
So, that’s six of the 53 that need/ed to be cut by my count. Can anyone name them?
August 31st, 2026 at 5:16 pm
i thought they all had jobs as waiters and insurance salesmen??
August 31st, 2026 at 5:23 pm
Scott you’re right. Im assuming you’re responding to the guy above you. Keeping 6 olb means further cuts at other positions when we are already thin in spots like secondary. 6 is a luxury. Can’t generally be 3 deep at a position.
August 31st, 2026 at 5:29 pm
I honestly believe the Bucs are going to regret letting Jack Pyburn get away. I’ve got a feeling he is going to be pretty good with the right coaching. His attitude is infectious. He reminds me a lot of Maxx Crosby. His motor never stops.
August 31st, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Pyburn vs Kieft vs Fordham…there is no right answer
August 31st, 2026 at 5:41 pm
“D Rome, cut Walker instead of Pyburn. You people have been brainwashed by Joe, and PR to think Walker is something special, he’s not. What I saw, not what I’ve been told by websites, Pyburn looked better.“
Madness, lol thank Father Dungy us fans aren’t involved in making roster decisions because then you’d have guys making choices like this based off 3 games and not the last month and a half the guys coaching them have almost every single day. You can always go root for Pyburn in KC if it’s to that, but what you’re saying is also fueled by hype. Hype off him recording 4 sacks against guys who got cut yesterday and probably all aren’t on active rosters, right now.
August 31st, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Meanwhile, SMB is back!!
August 31st, 2026 at 6:06 pm
Bucs 24 Bengals 17
Sorry doomers but they’re going to be a much better than consensus around here.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Brooklyn Says:
August 31st, 2026 at 3:08 pm
Good enough for KC, but not the bucs????
————————-
I guess you missed last season. The chiefs sucked worse than we did
August 31st, 2026 at 6:14 pm
Thé Chiefs signed Jack Pyburn.
We will live to regret this.
We missed the chance to draft TJ Watt.
We missed the chance to draft Trey Hendrickson.
Ànd now we have cut Jack Pyburn!
We kept Fordham over Pyburn?
Fordham will be our #5 MLB.
He will never see the field. He doesn’t have an NFL body.
Jack Pyburn looks like a beast. À killer.
I am not happy about this.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:20 pm
Yup! SMB is back. Much needed depth added.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:24 pm
Kevin Says:
August 31st, 2026 at 2:35 pm
Be careful about throwing stupid around.
1. All caps. Pretty stupid.
2. “IS” instead of “are” in the first sentence. Stupid.
3. Dumb point. Stupid.
August 31st, 2026 at 7:24 pm
Pyburn is lousy in coverage people! THAT is NOT a Bozo the Clown type of Edge Rusher! Don’t you people know anything about this guru and his genius?
Come on! Get with the times! This is the 1900’s! It’s the bozo way or no way at all! So back up or get left in the future where backwards types fear to go!
August 31st, 2026 at 8:26 pm
In Pyburn, the Bucs gave up a pass rusher who could beat third-stringers in order to keep pass rushers who can’t beat third-stringers. That’s the floor; the ceiling is high for the Chiefs.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:30 pm
D-Rome,
Which OLB would you cut to keep Pyburn?
Any or all of them. Did you watch the Defense last year?
SirVocea is worth keeping? Mohamed from the jets was as Invisible this preseason as Haason Reddick was last year.
Caden Ford had 4 sacks? Playing against same guys as Pyburn- Ford= 0
Yasir Holmes dominated the 2nd half of a game? Holmes=0
Yaya is a Fantastic player- in practice, I guess. He’s been surviving on the
“Potential” label. Gus’s that’s better than production.
Simple. Andy Reid is a real Coach. And he just signed a real pass rusher.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:42 pm
And yes Joe, totally agree.
Bucs need a decent Offensive linemen.
Their Offensive line depth is atrocious.
They need better talent.
And imagine our WR room, if Chris Godwin goes down.
We are counting on the Egbuka we had in the first 8 games.
What if the NFL has figured Egbuka out, and we are stuck with the Wgbuka we had in the last 9 games. A
Our WR room is filled with first year guys and Rookies. McMillan is the exception, but He’s gotta overcome having his neck broken. How could you blame him for being nervous going across the middle.
This team has some real depth problems. Same ones as last year, and still unaddressed.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:18 pm
Capt.Tim Says:
August 31st, 2026 at 8:30 pm
“……Simple. Andy Reid is a real Coach. And he just signed a real pass rusher.”
—————————–
Question: What does Andy Reid know that Todd Bowles doesn’t know.
Answer: Everything.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:28 pm
Michael Jordan had a really good game vs the Texans, he was probably the best offensive lineman that game for the Bucs. Then, for whatever reason, he got worse every single game.
And you can’t say the Texans defense were just a bunch of bums, either. Not sure what happened. Maybe he got all hyped for MNF or something and just had a career game.
Heck was terrible every time he got on the field, even in the preseason.
I really don’t get how Licht can be so good with drafting offensive lineman, but really struggles to find guys on the wire. Then again, maybe there just aren’t starting offensive lineman on the wire.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:41 pm
The Pyburn cult has been awakened.
Dude was our #6 OLB who made plays against septic tank cleaners and dishwashers at Applebees. So, it’s a little rich to compare him to Maxx Crosby. Sure, it would have been nice to get him onto the practice squad and see how he develops. Oh well.