Each season players move on from teams and find themselves new homes. These players can end up in better or worse situations and some even find themselves fighting for a championship. For some of these players, the grass was greener on the other side. Considering what teams are left in the playoffs these players will likely agree that their departure was for the best.
49ers
Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson started his NFL career as a fifth round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. He managed to remain on the roster for three seasons, seeing playing time in 26 games. With 96 receptions on 177 attempts put his completion percentage at 54%. In total he racked up five touchdowns and ten interceptions. Not spectacular at all.
But what is amazing is the fact that he’s still in the NFL. He missed four seasons (2014-17) in a row and the 2019 and 2020 season as well. This season he’s the current back up after a slew of injuries to Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy.
Eagles
Ndamukong Suh
None other than Super Bowl champion Ndamukong Suh was not retained by the Buccaneers this offseason. Though this disappointed many Buccaneers fans it’s good to see him move on to yet another successful team and making a run at another ring. During his time with the Buccaneers Suh never missed a single game from 2019 to 2021. During that span he racked up 14.5 sacks, a forced fumble, five fumble recoveries, and thirteen tackles for loss.
It’s safe to say Suh was an integral part of the Buccaneers success. We wish him good luck this weekend.
Cincinnati Bangles
Alex Cappa
Another Buccaneers draft selection who decided to move on finds himself in the playoffs. Alex Cappa who is questionable for this weekend was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2018 as a third round pick out of Humbodt State. The small school prospect showed ever reason why the pick was warranted in his time with the Buccaneers helping create one of the best offensive lines this franchise has ever seen.
It’s unfortunate the team was not able to retain him. Maybe this season would have not gone as badly had they been able to.
Kansas City Chiefs
Ronald Jones
Drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft Ronald Jones showed some flashes from the Buccaneers backfield. From 2019 to 2021 with the Buccaneers Jones’ season average yards per rush never dropped below 4.2 yards per carry. He also racked up 18 touchdowns via the ground attack during his time in Tampa.
The issue however was his pass catching ability and blocking skills. Both were sub par for what the Buccaneers were trying to do once Tom Brady got on deck. Now Jones finds himself as the third running back for the Chiefs. Maybe his explosiveness on the ground will get to be on display some during the rest of this post season.
Justin Watson
In the same draft class as Jones, Justin Watson was picked in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. He was able to find small roles for himself on the roster from 2018 to 2020 ultimately recording 23 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Now in the highflying Chiefs offense Watson has surpassed his three year yards total in Tampa in just the 2022 season. He’s hauled in 15 receptions for 315 yards. Additionally he’s ties his three year touchdown total with two this season. He’s also averaging 21 yards a catch this year. Given his performance this year, I’m sure we will see more of Watson this weekend.
Final Thought
Players come and go. Some succeed in their new locations. Some don’t. Either way we wish these players the best of luck, just not in any games where they may face the Buccaneers.
The Aftermath with AJ & Slick
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