The Buccaneers will not continue their punting competition into training camp. They are releasing veteran Bradley Pinion, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter).
Tampa Bay drafted Jake Camarda in the fourth round, pointing to Pinion having a true competitor for his post. The team declared that battle over early. Chosen 133rd overall, Camarda went off the board three spots after the Ravens made Jordan Stout this year’s first punter drafted.
This move will not cost the Bucs anything in dead money, with the guarantees on Pinion’s through-2022 contract having been paid. The Bucs will save around $2MM with this release.
A seven-year veteran, Pinion signed a four-year deal worth $11MM to join the Bucs in 2019. He had previously been the 49ers’ punter, working in that role from 2015-18. The Clemson alum averaged 45.2 yards per punt during the Bucs’ 2020 Super Bowl LV-winning season, but that figure dropped by nearly three yards last year.
The former fifth-round pick missed only two games during his three-year Tampa Bay stay, but injuries did factor into his tenure. Pinion played through a torn hip labrum last season, but Garafolo notes he passed a physical Tuesday. This should lead to some interest in the 28-year-old specialist ahead of training camp.
Pinion just couldn’t pin one in their opinion
I assume they will sign a warm leg for camp. Can’t go all of camp and pre season with one
Why not, it’s just a punter
Brock Miller flips field position with a monstrous 85-yard punt last weekend 6/18
Maybe the Bucs are interested in Miller now
The kid from Georgia is going to be the guy fit a king time. This kid is a true NFL punter. Accurate. Averaged over 46 yards per punt 3 years in a row.
*guy for a long time