The Buccaneers’ offseason, to this point, has been marked by various cost-cutting moves to get under the salary cap. That strategy continued Tuesday with the release of veteran offensive tackle Donovan Smith.
Smith, 29, has spent his entire career with Tampa Bay after being drafted in the second round in 2015. He’s made 124 starts over the past eight seasons and was entering the second year of a two-year, $31 million contract.
Smith’s release comes on the heels of Tampa Bay also parting ways with veteran tight end Cameron Brate, who had spent the past nine years with the Bucs. The team also recently cut running back Leonard Fournette.
“I want to thank Donovan for all that he has done for the Buccaneers on and off the field over the past eight seasons,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht wrote in a statement, per NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “He stepped in as our starter at left tackle in 2015, and his durability and dependability at one of the most important positions in football played a significant role in our offensive success during his time here.”
Smith would’ve carried a $17.9 million cap hit for 2023. By releasing him, Tampa Bay instead will incur a cap hit of $7.95 million. The Bucs have until March 13 to become cap compliant.
