Buccaneers Release Promising Cornerback Despite Highly Productive Preseason

Jason Licht and his staff had some tough decisions to make in the secondary when it came to finalizing the Buccaneers' final 53-man roster.

Aug 10, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Keenan Isaac (16) reacts after intercepting the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

With strong competition at a variety of different positions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opted to keep eleven defensive backs on the final 53-man roster. That decision speaks to the team’s belief in the quality of depth they had in the secondary throughout training camp this year. 

Still, there were good players who fell victim to the numbers game. And of all the defensive backs vying for a spot on the team, one player stands out as most deserving of the opportunity he didn’t receive.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cut Super-Bowl Champion Quarterback

Keenan Isaac, the former Alabama State product who spent time with the Buccaneers last season, performed exceptionally well throughout training camp and the preseason. But in the eyes of the Bucs’ decision makers, that still wasn’t enough.

The #Bucs are expected to release CB Keenan Isaac, who had a 91.2 PFF coverage grade in the preseason and recorded an interception, per source. Tampa had some tough cuts to make in a deep defensive back room, and Isaac fell victim to the numbers game. pic.twitter.com/iiNxx3vZG2

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 26, 2024

The Buccaneers' front office made the tough decision to release Isaac in order to make the final 53.

Isaac had one interception in the preseason and another spectacular one that was called back. But it wasn’t just splash plays that earned Isaac praise this preseason. He also proved to be extremely consistent in coverage for Todd Bowles’ defense, confirmed by an exceptional 92.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. 

Many people assumed one of the final roster spots in the secondary would go to either UDFA Tyrek Funderburk or Keenan Isaac. And despite missing some time due to injury, the Buccaneers ended up making the decision to keep Funderburk over Isaac — which shows you just how high they are on the undrafted rookie out of Appalachian State. 

Because of how well Keenan Isaac played during the preseason, there’s a strong chance he gets scooped up by another team. If not, the Buccaneers could get lucky and have the opportunity to keep him around on the practice squad.

In the NFL, when you have depth, you have tough decisions to make. Hopefully for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they didn’t make the wrong one when they decided to release Keenan Isaac. 

---

READ MORE: 5 Instant Takeaways From the Buccaneers' Preseason Win Over Dolphins

Stick with BucsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout training camp.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers Release Veteran Wide Receiver

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Former Players' Son

• Buccaneers Urged to Cut Veteran Wide Receiver

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Featured in Nickelodeon's Slimetime 'Rookie Spotlight' Special