3 Buccaneers Cut Candidates Entering 2026 Offseason

Tampa Bay missed the playoffs, but they are looking forward and here are three cut candidates entering the 2026 offseason.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need some help from the NFL Draft, even though quarterback Baker Mayfield is plenty fired up. But the roster needs tweaks, and here are three cut candidates for the Buccaneers entering the 2026 offseason: edge rusher Anthony Nelson, cornerback Josh Hayes, and tight end Payne Durham.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers had a disappointing season, missing the playoffs after losing four of their last five games. This opens the door for roster changes, including potentially cutting some underperforming players to free up cap space and make room for new talent.

The details

Anthony Nelson, a seven-year veteran, has never been a full-time starter and had only three sacks last season. Cutting him before June 1 would save the team almost $2 million. Cornerback Josh Hayes barely played on defense this past season and could be cut to save $1.14 million. Tight end Payne Durham, a 2023 fifth-round pick, has just 17 catches in three seasons and may be expendable if the team re-signs Cade Otton.

  • The Buccaneers missed the playoffs in the 2025 season.
  • Anthony Nelson's contract expires after the 2026 season.
  • Josh Hayes is 26 years old.
  • Payne Durham was drafted in 2023.

The players

Anthony Nelson

A seven-year veteran edge rusher for the Buccaneers who has never been a full-time starter and had only three sacks last season.

Josh Hayes

A 26-year-old cornerback for the Buccaneers who barely played on defense this past season and could be cut to save cap space.

Payne Durham

A 2023 fifth-round draft pick tight end for the Buccaneers who has just 17 catches in three seasons and may be expendable if the team re-signs Cade Otton.

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What they’re saying

“While still just 29 years of age, cutting bait with Nelson would be difficult. But it is definitely an option with the Bucs looking to elevate the room this offseason, especially if Chris Braswell finally finds his ceiling. Additionally, he'll have to contend with the eventual return of last year's NFL Draft pick, David Walker.”

— Caleb Skinner (Sports Illustrated)

“Abysmal. I mean, shoot, if I had an answer, I feel like we'd have figured it out. I think there's a lot of things, fundamentals, and stuff. We got to go back to and figure out how to fix those and be able to correct those things. We can't let the same thing happen five, six times in a row and then be surprised by it. So, I think someone's just got to get back in the lab and figure out, 'Ok, what is the issue and can we address it correctly before it becomes a continual thing.'”

— Josh Hayes (joebucsfan.com)

“Culp has the speed to push routes vertically and has solid body control in contested catch situations.”

— Brianna Dix (buccaneers.com)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to evaluate their roster and make decisions on potential cuts like Anthony Nelson, Josh Hayes, and Payne Durham as they look to improve the team for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers' disappointing 2025 season has opened the door for roster changes, including potentially cutting underperforming players like Anthony Nelson, Josh Hayes, and Payne Durham to free up cap space and make room for new talent through the draft and free agency.