After spending three years with the team, the Green Bay Packers released offensive lineman Royce Newman during Tuesday’s final roster cutdowns. On Wednesday, Newman was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A 2021 fourth-round draft pick, Newman played in 51 games and made 24 starts in Green Bay, 16 of which came as a rookie. The team initially hoped Newman would develop into a reliable starter at right guard, but unfortunately, that potential never fully materialized. His next two seasons were marked by miscues and blown blocking assignments, which gradually pushed him down the depth chart.
Green Bay restructured Newman’s contract during the offseason to make his deal more affordable. However, even that didn’t secure him a roster spot.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newman played 146 offensive snaps over three preseason games. He excelled in pass protection, earning an impressive pass-blocking grade of 84.7 while surrendering zero sacks and no pressures. However, he struggled as a run blocker, receiving a much lower grade of 46.8.
The Packers ultimately chose to keep 10 offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster, opting for youth and upside over Newman’s experience. At 27 years of age, Newman could still be a valuable depth piece if he can regain his footing in the NFL.
