Big Names Get Cut

With the final cuts coming today, we all knew there would probably be a big name or two going home. There were more than a few that raised eyebrows.

The biggest name of course, was Chris Simms. After several months of animosity towards the club, the Chris Simms saga is finally over. After 5 years with the team, 1 of which he was a starter, Simms now has to find work elsewhere. While I knew this was inevitable, I still hate to see him go. Three years ago, he was the future of this franchise. One devastating injury later, and he never plays a down for Tampa again. I wish the best of luck for Simms, who could have a great future in this league.

Among the other players that were cut, veteran Ryan Nece was among them. He played 85 games for Tampa since 2002. Kenneth Darby, one of the Bucs 2007 draft picks, was also cut. He started to show signs of life in the preseason, but alas, is no longer with the team. Dre Moore, the Bucs 4th round draft pick this season, was also cut. A surprising move, considering he also had a good preseason. He never even suited up for the team.

Perhaps the most sentimental of the cuts was Micheal Spurlock. He will always be loved by every Buccaneer fan for his historical achievement last year. We will all remember him as the man who finally broke the Bucs kick return curse. He scored the first kickoff return for a touchdown in Bucs history, and will go down in Bucs lore for it. I hate to see him go.

With the final roster set, the Bucs can now prepare for the season opener this Sunday. The Saints will be a tough test, but the Bucs appear to think that they have the team to beat them.