The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released veteran guard Davin Joseph on Saturday, three days before the start of the new league year.
The move was not unexpected, but it does involve a player who has made an impact on and off the field during eight years as a Buccaneer. The team is forging a new direction under the guidance of General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Lovie Smith, and that involves some difficult roster evaluations.
"Decisions like this are never easy when it comes to parting ways with players such as Davin," said Licht. "We thank Davin for his contributions on and off the field during his eight years in Tampa Bay and we wish him well in the future. Every decision we make during this time leading up to free agency is with the intention of improving our roster and building towards becoming a championship team once again."
Joseph joined the Buccaneers as a first-round selection (23rd overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft and played eight seasons with the team, recording 99 starts in 100 appearances. A two-time Pro Bowler, Joseph was also an active community advocate, spearheading numerous charitable endeavors in the Tampa Bay area.
