Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evan Smith named vet most likely to be cut

As training camp rolls around, one veteran will need a strong showing to keep his spot on the final 53-man roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In an article this week, ESPN’s NFL Nation examined all 32 teams and identified one veteran for each who could be a likely cut. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jenna Laine chose offensive lineman Evan Smith as the candidate most likely to lose a roster spot throughout training camp.

The seasoned vet, as of this point, cannot be cut due to an injury designation after tearing his labrum in both of his hips. Once he gets healthy, however, he could be getting an arm workout in by packing his bags.

"“The Bucs’ coaching staff is high on Smith, not only for his ability to play both center and guard, but because of his experience (he’s entering his 10th season). However, he missed the entire offseason program because he has been recovering from torn labrums in both hips. Alex Cappa has been getting a lot of first-team reps at right guard. Earl Watford can play just about every position along the offensive line. Mike Liedtke has gotten a lot of reps at center and could be a viable backup to Ryan Jensen. We’ll have a better idea of where things truly stand when the pads come on in training camp” (Jenna Laine via ESPN)"

Throughout his career, Smith has played for the Green Bay Packers and the Buccaneers. Nearing the age of 33, however, Smith could be looking for his third team and may have played his last football. He has started a total of 53 games in nine seasons, including 28 in the pewter and red.

With the Buccaneers in need of some cap space, Smith having no more guaranteed money on his contract (Tampa would see an increase of $2 million in cap space), and a movement towards youth, he could be a likely candidate to get the ax this offseason. Smith needs a strong and healthy training camp to potentially save himself a roster spot on the Buccaneers’ final 53-man roster.