The Bucs made considerably of a stunning roster transfer Thursday night, waiving third-year vast receiver Deven Thompkins with an damage designation.
Bucs WR Deven Thompkins – Picture by: USA In the present day
Thompkins initially signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State in 2022. After a ultimate collegiate season that noticed him catch 102 passes for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns, the 5-foot-8, 155-pound receiver made the Bucs observe squad out of coaching camp earlier than finally enjoying in six video games as a rookie.
Throughout his rookie season, Thompkins took over for Jaelon Darden because the Bucs’ main return man. That was a place he held all through the remainder of the yr and throughout his second season in Tampa.
Over the course of his two seasons with the Bucs, he performed in 22 video games and caught 22 of his 35 targets for 115 yards and a landing whereas working 10 instances for 82 yards.
As a return man, Thompkins returned 31 punts for 295 yards (9.5 avg.) and returned 28 kicks for 590 yards (21.1 avg.).
Bucs Will Now Look For A New Return Man
Bucs WR-KR-PR Deven Thompkins – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
With Thompkins being waived, the Bucs will now have a look at their in-house choices to discover a substitute returner forward of the 2024 season.
As lately as Tuesday’s observe, Thompkins was seen getting reps as a returner. Second-year vast receiver Trey Palmer, rookie working again Bucky Irving, third-year working again Rachaad White and rookie vast receiver Jalen McMillan additionally received reps throughout the observe.
With the brand new kickoff format being launched to the NFL in 2024, Tampa Bay could also be trying to method its particular groups another way — particularly with new particular groups coordinator Thomas McGaughey taking on for the retired Keith Armstrong.
When it comes to the vast receiver room, Tampa Bay has Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett. Thompkins appeared prone to be the No 6 receiver if the group stored six, however now that spot can be up for grabs heading into the remainder of OTAs, obligatory mini-camp and coaching camp.
Thompkins was waived with an damage designation, however the group didn’t present any particulars concerning the damage or when it might need occurred.
