TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office isn’t just tweaking the roster; they are taking a sledgehammer to the foundation. Following a highly frustrating 8-9 finish in the 2025 season, head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht are brutally evaluating every single depth chart spot. One homegrown name sliding rapidly toward the exit? Outside linebacker Chris Braswell. The former 2024 second-round pick arrived with heavy expectations, but his impact has completely flatlined.
A Premium Draft Pick Producing Practice Squad Numbers
Drafted 57th overall out of Alabama, the Buccaneers envisioned Braswell as the ultimate pocket-wrecker to complement Yaya Diaby. He possessed speed-to-power traits that made scouts salivate. Reality tells a much harsher story. Through 34 career games, Braswell has completely failed to earn Bowles’ trust. He has yet to make a single NFL start. His stat sheet reads like an afterthought: 48 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, and a measly 2.5 sacks.
Standing on the practice fields at One Buccaneer Place last November, the chilly wind whipping off the bay, you could see Braswell isolated after drills. He stayed late hitting the sled, fighting to unlock the explosive burst that defined his college days. The effort was visible, but the translation to Sunday speed simply never materialized. When veteran Haason Reddick missed time with injuries last season, the door swung wide open. Braswell still could not beat out Anthony Nelson for meaningful reps, dropping from playing 30% of defensive snaps in his rookie year to just 27% in 2025. That kind of sharp regression forces management’s hand.
“These decisions are always difficult, but the disappointing end to the season required some changes… Our goal is to compete for championships every year, and it is my responsibility to make these tough decisions in order to reach those expectations.”
— Todd Bowles, Buccaneers Head Coach
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The margin for error no longer exists in Tampa Bay. New special teams coordinator Danny Smith needs immediate, reliable contributors. While Braswell found a minor niche on coverage units early on, reserve pass rusher Markees Watts heavily outplayed him there last season (61% to 46% snap share). You cannot justify tying up a premium roster spot—and over $1.4 million in 2026 base salary—for a rotational bubble player who gets out-snapped on fourth downs.
Licht refuses to hold onto draft mistakes just to save face. With the defensive line desperately needing fresh legs and elite pressure packages, Braswell is prime trade bait. Moving him requires finding a front office that loved his pre-draft tape. Enter Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek. Spytek served in Tampa Bay’s brain trust during the 2024 draft and heavily advocated for Braswell. Packaging the linebacker with late Day 3 picks could grease the wheels for a blockbuster trade—perhaps targeting a superstar edge rusher like Maxx Crosby. Regardless of the exact trade partner, the writing is clearly on the wall. Braswell needs a change of scenery, and the Buccaneers need immediate production.
