Tampa Bay waives Chris Braswell following roster changes at outside linebacker

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived outside linebacker Chris Braswell during final roster cuts on September 1, 2026. Braswell, a second-round draft pick, concludes his tenure with the team after two seasons where he recorded 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 34 appearances. The move reflects a significant shift in Tampa Bay's pass-rushing personnel as the team pivots from a reliance on frequent blitzing toward a front capable of generating pressure with its base rotation. Tampa Bay retained five outside linebackers including Yaya Diaby, Rueben Bain Jr., Al-Quadin Muhammad, Anthony Nelson, and David Walker. The roster update follows an offseason effort to add depth and talent after the Buccaneers recorded 37 sacks last year. The team enters the new season with a revamped defensive front intended to reduce the reliance on the heavy blitzing schemes used previously by Todd Bowles.

• 3:25 PMYahoo Sports — Chris Braswell's release shows how much the Bucs pass rush has changed