Buccaneers: Jaydon Mickens roster hopes in serious danger

Jaydon Mickens will need a lot of luck if he wants to make the final roster for the Buccaneers.

If play on the field was the only factor in consideration for Jaydon Mickens to make the final roster for the Buccaneers in 2021, his shot would be squarely at 50/50. Mickens was consistent on special teams, but his inability to pop on the offensive side of the ball could cause the coaching staff to go in a different direction if he struggles during training camp.

Unfortunately for Mickens, play on the field is not the only factor impacting his future in Tampa. Bruce Arians and his coaching staff run a very tight ship, and Mickens’ arrest back in March complicates matters.

While the charges are nothing severe according to PFT.com, and the Bucs have shown a willingness to help players out after mistakes such as with Antonio Brown, this is still something that the staff will have to consider closely.

The “distraction in the locker room” is the first thing people will point to, although it is a non-issue. Based on interactions with teammates and the way that he supported rookies during OTAs, small charges aren’t going to do anything to this locker room unless they are against Tom Brady.

It seems incredibly unlikely that Mickens will see any prison time from his arrest, and while the league can still decide on a course of discipline, Mickens’ opportunity should come down to the Buccaneers’ discretion.

While this one mistake shouldn’t have Mickens off the team, it does seem fair to assume that this would count against Mickens if the final decision comes down to him and one other player-all other factors held constant. If there is a young player performing on the same level as Mickens during camp, which is a decent possibility, the Bucs could see the other player as a safer choice.

No decisions should be made yet, but Mickens will need an even better training camp than he already did if he wants to maintain his job and compete for another Super Bowl.

Want to write about the Buccaneers? Apply below!