Ryan Smith, CB
The preseason opener was an awful first impression for Ryan Smith. After his well-documented issues during the 2017 season, he did himself no favors after getting torched against the Miami Dolphins and then the Tennessee Titans the following week.
In Tampa Bay’s Week three matchup, Smith was on the field for nearly half the team’s snaps (36) and was alongside De’Vante Harris and Javien Elliot as they compete for a job at cornerback.
While he may have been listed as a starter on the Buccaneers first unofficial depth chart, he hasn’t played like one so far. If he wants to be a factor in the Tampa Bay secondary he needs to go back to basics.
With the emergence of Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart, the Buccaneers may feel comfortable letting Smith walk to free up a spot in injury-plagued units like the offense line. Especially considering special teams ace, Josh Robinson could play defensive back in a pinch.
While he may survive cuts due to his experience playing as a starter for stretches last season, Smith is cutting it close during the preseason.