Tampa Bay Buccaneers release defensive tackle Mitch Unrein

In a flurry of moves, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released defensive tackle Mitch Unrein with a failed physical designation.

Around the same time that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the re-signing of running back Peyton Barber and linebacker Kevin Minter, the team also announced that they had released defensive tackle Mitch Unrein with an injury designation after a failed physical on Wednesday. The move clears up about $3.75 million in cap space for the Buccaneers.

It is an unfortunate situation for Unrein, who signed a three-year deal just a year ago, but never saw the field for the Buccaneers after sustaining a concussion in the preseason, and failing to get out of the concussion protocol still eight months later; this severe of a concussion looks to be potentially career ending for the 31-year old defensive tackle.

Throughout his nine year career, Unrein has made stops with the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, and Chicago Bears before coming to Tampa Bay last offseason. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2010, but never took the field for them before heading to Denver.

Unrein has recorded 4.5 sacks and hit the quarterback 17 times throughout his career in the NFL, logging 24 career starts. Mostly a rotational piece along the defensive line, Unrein has made quite the career for himself for being undrafted.

It was also reported that teammate and fellow defensive tackle Beau Allen took a $1 million pay cut to stay in Tampa Bay as well, helping soften the blow of losing Unrein. This move also helps the Buccaneers clear a little more cap space to potentially seek a replacement for Unrein along their defensive front.

The Pewter Plank wished nothing but the best for Unrein moving forward and hope that his health returns to normal and hopefully he can return to the playing field soon.