Buccaneers Wanted To Keep Chris Braswell, But He Has Other Plans

Chris Braswell will look to revive professional career away from Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jason Licht has had a pretty tumultuous time nailing down how to draft the edge position in recent years as the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And he now has another high draft pick at the position joining the bodies in the graveyard.

Tampa Bay decided to cut bait with former second-round draft pick out of Alabama, Chris Braswell, after just two short years, cutting him from their 53-man roster. And with the Bucs' practice squad complete, he will look to find a fresh beginning elsewhere.

Chris Braswell Looks For Fresh Start Outside of Tampa Bay

Whether he's claimed off waivers today or not, OLB Chris Braswell won't be returning to the Bucs. 2024 second-round pick could have returned to Tampa Bay's practice squad, but will seek a fresh start with another team.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 31, 2026

Before the Bucs even began to announce who they would be signing to their practice squad, FOX Sports' Greg Auman broke the news that Braswell would not be returning, even if he were to be offered a spot on the practice squad.

Thus, Braswell's career in Tampa Bay came to a close.

It wasn't a spectacular time for Braswell, who was drafted as strictly a pass rusher.

Over the course of two seasons, Braswell failed to crack the rotation as a starter through 34 appearances. And even when he did see the field, he was not productive in the slightest, coming away with just 48 tackles (five for loss), 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

It was going to be a battle for Braswell to make the roster with the offseason acquisitions of Al-Quadin Muhammah and Rueben Bain Jr. joining the likes of Yaya Diaby, David Walker, and Anthony Nelson, and that proved to be the case as training camp and the preseason unfolded.

There were high hopes for Braswell at least contributing to the rotation, but that never materialized, and it seemed to take a toll on the young outside linebacker.

Braswell was seen on the sidelines near the end of camp not practicing, and while he may have been dealing with an injury, he seemed disengaged and thoroughly checked out. That's not something you want from a player looking to make the roster.

The cultural tide is starting to shift in Tampa Bay once again, and getting players out who don't fit that mold will be key to the future success of the franchise.

Braswell and the Bucs will both move on, but he now joins the likes of Logan Hall and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as early draft picks that Licht would like to have back.

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