Bucs to Release Tight End Cameron Brate, per Report

Brate has spent his entire nine-year career with Tampa Bay.

With the clock ticking to get under the salary cap threshold, the Buccaneers are apparently planning to part ways with a very familiar face.

Tampa Bay plans to release veteran tight end Cameron Brate, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Brate who carries a $5 million cap hit for 2023, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bucs. The team is currently $55 million over the salary cap threshold, and has until March 13 to be compliant with the cap. The Bucs informed another veteran, running back Leonard Fournette, that he would be released earlier this week.

Brate, 31, was signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He’s primarily played as a reserve, making 33 starts in 126 career games. His best season came in ’16, when he notched 57 receptions for 660 yards and eight touchdowns.

Last year, Brate recorded 20 catches for 174 yards and no scores over 11 games. He signed a six-year, $40.8 million deal ahead of the 2018 season.