Bucs release former 1st-round pick Deone Bucannon
![Bucs release former 1st-round pick Deone Bucannon Bucs release former 1st-round pick Deone Bucannon](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY3NDg4MDcyMzQxMDA2MTI1/usatsi_13484481.jpg)
The reunion tour for Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians and former Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Deone Bucannon is coming to an abrupt end.
Just before they jump the pond for Sunday's Week 6 showdown in London against the Carolina Panthers, the Bucs are releasing Bucannon:
Buccaneers released veteran LB Deone Bucannon this morning, before they head to London for Sunday’s game against the Panthers, per source. The former Cardinals’ first-round pick is expected to get a chance elsewhere.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2019
Source: Former first-round DB Deone Bucannon is getting released by the #Bucs today. The team is set to leave for London, but he’ll become a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2019
Bucannon, a hybrid safety-linebacker player who starred at Washington State, spent most of his time as a reserve defender and special-teamer during his short stint with the Bucs. He'll now become a free agent.
For the Bucs, Bucannon's departure could have positive ramifications when the 2020 NFL draft rolls around, as The Athletic's Greg Auman points out:
Bucannon has played almost exclusively on special teams this season. Cutting him should allow the Bucs to get a compensatory third-round draft pick in 2020. https://t.co/auxR2BKL8X
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 9, 2019
Once a top draft pick, Bucannon is now looking for NFL work yet again after being released by his now-twice-former head coach.