The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed outside linebacker Chris Braswell on waivers, ending his two‑year tenure with the franchise. Braswell, 24, entered the NFL as a second‑round selection (57th overall) in the 2024 draft after a standout sophomore season at the University of Alabama, where he earned second‑team All‑SEC honors.
Performance overview
During his rookie and sophomore campaigns, Braswell appeared in all 34 regular‑season games for the Buccaneers. He recorded 48 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and five tackles for loss. While those numbers show he contributed on the field, his overall defensive rating was modest. Pro Football Focus gave him a 57.6 grade for the 2025 season, ranking him 91st among 115 qualifying edge defenders.
Special‑teams role
Beyond his defensive duties, Braswell was a regular on special‑teams units. Over two seasons he logged 391 special‑teams snaps, providing depth and reliability in coverage and return formations. The Buccaneers’ coaching staff noted his work ethic and willingness to contribute wherever needed, but ultimately decided to move in a different direction.
What the waiver means
When a player is waived, other NFL teams have a 24‑hour window to claim him and assume his contract. If no team submits a claim, Braswell will become a free agent and can sign with any organization that offers a roster spot. The Buccaneers will retain a spot on their 53‑man roster for a potential replacement, likely focusing on younger talent or a player who can immediately bolster their pass‑rush depth.
Looking ahead for the Buccaneers
Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht have been active in reshaping the roster ahead of the upcoming season. The decision to waive Braswell aligns with a broader strategy to improve the defensive line’s productivity and to allocate roster spots to players who can make an immediate impact on both defense and special teams.
Braswell’s next steps
Braswell’s youth and experience in a professional environment keep him on the radar of several teams seeking depth at the edge‑defender position. His background as a high‑draft pick and his proven special‑teams contributions could make him an attractive option for clubs looking to add a versatile player during the preseason.
Fans of the Buccaneers can follow the waiver process and any subsequent claims through the NFL’s official channels. The team will continue to evaluate its roster as it prepares for training camp, aiming to field a competitive squad that can contend for a playoff berth.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
