The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already undergone significant changes this offseason with the retirement of star quarterback Tom Brady and the release of running back Leonard Fournette. It appears that the changes do not stop there, as they are also parting ways with veteran kicker Ryan Succop.
Succop signed with the organization in 2020 after lengthy stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. He helped the organization reach the pinnacle of the NFL world with a Super Bowl championship in 2021.
Despite this, it appears that the organization is going in another direction at the kicker position. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Buccaneers have released Succop after three years with the organization.
The Bucs have released K Ryan Succop.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 23, 2023
Many took notice of the move and speculated about a number of destinations that Succop could end up signing in free agency.
The #49ers still have vacancy at kicker. Robbie Gould remains unsigned. The Buccaneers today released Ryan Succop, 36, who ranks 19th among active kickers in FG accuracy and has not handled kickoffs since 2019.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 23, 2023
While Succop was reliable for the Buccaneers organization on attempts inside of 50 yards, he was just 2-of-7 on attempts of at least 50 yards or more.
This could be a reason for his release, especially considering Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed in January that the team had to be able to kick longer field goals successfully.
Tampa Bay will clearly target a kicker with a bigger leg, while Succop will likely help a team in need of a reliable veteran kicker in free agency.
The Cowboys notably had some extreme kicker woes in the postseason last year and the 49ers have still yet to sign long-time kicker Robbie Gould. These teams could be among the top options for Ryan Succop to sign with in free agency moving forward.
