Buccaneers Officially Release G Davin Joseph

Update:

As first reported by @NFLSTROUD, the #Bucs have released G Davin Joseph.

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) March 8, 2014

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Rick Stroud reports that the Buccaneers are releasing veteran G Davin Joseph.

• Ian Rapoport confirms that the Buccaneers are releasing Joseph.
• Stroud adds that the Buccaneers will free up $6-million in cap space with this move.

Joseph, 30, was entering the fourth year of his seven-year, $52.5 million contract that included $19 million guaranteed. He had a base salary of $6 million coming his way in 2014, to go along with base salaries of $7 million in 2015 and 2016.

Joseph underwent knee surgery in 2012 and, upon returning to game action, really struggled for the Buccaneers last season.

Pro Football Focus had him rated as the second worst qualifying guard in the league allowing three sacks, seven quarterback hits and 29 hurries.

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Jason La Canfora reports that the Buccaneers are “gauging” trade interest in veteran G Davin Joseph.

• La Canfora adds that it’s “very doubtful” Joseph is back with the Buccaneers next season.

While he is a former Pro Bowl guard, it could be tough for the Buccaneers to find a lot interest in him given the knee injury, his poor 2013 season and the fact that he is due sizable base salaries in the coming years.

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According to Dan Pompei of the Bleacher Report, teams around the league believe Buccaneers G Davin Joseph is available via trade.