The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived return man and Fort Myers native Deven Thompkins late this week with an injury designation. This means Thompkins will go through the normal “waiver wire” process, able to be claimed by any team in the League or potentially end up back in a Bucs uniform.
Bucs waive WR Deven Thompkins https://t.co/KY4ScsdFnG pic.twitter.com/CPBHMvzIiZ
— The Bucs Wire (@TheBucsWire) May 31, 2024
Thompkins was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 out of Utah State and played in six games as a rookie. He took over for Jaelon Darden as the Buccaneers’ primary return man that year and held that designation through his second season.
Thompkins caught 22 passes out of 35 targets, totaling 115 yards with one touchdown, which came against the Saints last year. He also was utilized in the run game, carrying the ball 10 times for 82 yards. Thompkins was a favorite of former offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who took over as the Panthers Head Coach this offseason.
At his primary role, Thompkins returned 31 punts for 295 yards (9.5 yards avg.) as well as 28 kickoffs for 590 yards (21.1 yards avg.). Providing the Bucs do not re-sign Thompkins, they will choose someone on the current roster, with multiple options including rookies picked up during the 2024 draft.
Wide receiver Trey Palmer, rookie WR Jalen McMillan, rookie RB Bucky Irving, and even Rachaad White took reps this past week during OTAs. The smart money would be on one of the young rookies to begin 2024 fielding kicks, but time will tell.
As Bucs look for new returners, two rookies worth mentioning are RB Bucky Irving on kickoffs and WR Jalen McMillan on punts. They’ll have good competition for both spots.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 30, 2024
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