Devin Culp appears to be nearing the end of the line with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Culp showed flashes in 2024 under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. However, those flashes have not translated into consistent opportunities or production.
The Buccaneers drafted Bauer Sharp in the sixth round to compete directly with Culp. So far, that competition appears to be going badly for the veteran tight end.
Culp missed much of OTAs, minicamp and training camp with an injury. He eventually returned late and has been decent in most of his opportunities.
Unfortunately for Culp, Sharp has looked like the better tight end. He has also shown more athleticism and appears to have a higher ceiling.
Culp Hasn’t Lived Up to His Draft Status
Culp has simply not done enough to establish himself in Tampa Bay. His lack of production is especially concerning given the expectations that come with his draft status.
In 2025, Culp played just 56 snaps. He spent most of the season on the inactive list and caught only one touchdown pass.
That touchdown came against the Falcons on Thursday Night Football in Week 15. Opposing coverages and Tampa Bay’s personnel packages often influenced his role and weekly status.
Culp still possesses some intriguing traits. He has enough speed to push routes vertically and solid body control in contested situations.
But at this point, those traits have not translated into enough production. More importantly, Culp does not appear to be doing enough to force the Buccaneers to keep him around.
Bauer Sharp Could Have Pushed Him Out
The Buccaneers are expected to keep only four tight ends on the 53-man roster. Sharp’s emergence makes Culp’s path to that roster increasingly difficult.
The practice squad could remain an option for Culp. However, even that would represent another disappointing step for a player who has not lived up to his draft status.
Culp is running out of opportunities to change that narrative. If he wants to remain a Buccaneer, now is the time to show he actually wants the opportunity.
So far, the results suggest otherwise. And with Sharp pushing ahead, Culp may have finally reached the end of his road in Tampa Bay.
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