The Bucs made considerably of a stunning roster transfer Thursday night, waiving third-year large receiver Deven Thompkins with an damage designation.
Bucs WR Deven Thompkins – Picture by: USA As we speak
Thompkins initially signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State in 2022. After a remaining collegiate season that noticed him catch 102 passes for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns, the 5-foot-8, 155-pound receiver made the Bucs apply squad out of coaching camp earlier than finally enjoying in six video games as a rookie.
Throughout his rookie season, Thompkins took over for Jaelon Darden because the Bucs’ major return man. That was a place he held all through the remainder of the 12 months and all over his second season in Tampa.
Over the course of his two seasons with the Bucs, he performed in 22 video games and caught 22 of his 35 targets for 115 yards and a landing whereas working 10 occasions for 82 yards.
As a return man, Thompkins returned 31 punts for 295 yards (9.5 avg.) and returned 28 kicks for 590 yards (21.1 avg.).
Bucs Will Now Look For A New Return Man
Bucs WR-KR-PR Deven Thompkins – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
With Thompkins being waived, the Bucs will now take a look at their in-house choices to discover a alternative returner forward of the 2024 season.
As not too long ago as Tuesday’s apply, Thompkins was seen getting reps as a returner. Second-year large receiver Trey Palmer, rookie working again Bucky Irving, third-year working again Rachaad White and rookie large receiver Jalen McMillan additionally acquired reps through the apply.
With the brand new kickoff format being launched to the NFL in 2024, Tampa Bay could also be seeking to method its particular groups differently — particularly with new particular groups coordinator Thomas McGaughey taking up for the retired Keith Armstrong.
By way of the large receiver room, Tampa Bay has Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett. Thompkins appeared prone to be the No 6 receiver if the staff stored six, however now that spot might be up for grabs heading into the remainder of OTAs, obligatory mini-camp and coaching camp.
Thompkins was waived with an damage designation, however the staff didn’t present any particulars concerning the damage or when it might need occurred.
