The Buccaneers start out by waiving S Isaiah Johnson today. Johnson was signed by Tampa in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina. He spent all of his rookie season on the Buccaneers practice squad before being handed a future/reserve contract.
He was later released at the end of this year’s preseason but later found himself back on Tampa’s practice squad. He played in 2 games this season, recording 3 tackles.
In addition to Johnson’s waiving, was the release of DE Larry Webster. Webster was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL draft. He was active for two games but did not play in either and spent the rest of the season in active.
In 2015, he spent the entire season on the Lions’ practice squad before being signed by the Panthers. Webster played in one game for the Panthers, in 2016, recorded only one tackle and later found himself on Tampa’s practice squad.
In the wake of these moves, comes the signing of veteran DE Darryl Tapp. Tapp was selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. Tapp played for 4 seasons with the Seahawks, 3 with the Eagles, 1 with the Redskins, 2 with the Lions and spent last season with the Saints.
Tapp has had a long career, recording 28 sacks, 19 pass defends, 11 forced fumbles, 2 INTS, scored 1 defensive TD, and 257 tackles. Tampa brought the veteran defensive end in for a workout on Tuesday and quickly signed him to a contract. He is listed as No. 43 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying guys by Pro Football focus.
