Just before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 15 TNF matchup with the division rival Atlanta Falcons, news came in that veteran wide receiver Ryan Miller would not be returning to TB.
Miller was the odd man out on December 10 and was waived from the 53-man roster so that star wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan could be activated, but the plan was to re-sign him to the practice squad. Unfortunately, the Bucs won’t get the opportunity to do that, as Miller was claimed off waivers on December 11.
“Receiver Ryan Miller, cut by the Bucs on Wednesday, has been claimed by the [New York] Giants,” Fox Sports beat reporter Greg Auman relayed on X.
Auman added that this is a “tough loss” for Tampa Bay, considering Miller is a “special teams standout” and capable wide receiver.
Ex-Buccaneers Contributor Ryan Miller Was More Impactful as a Wide Receiver in 2024
GettyFormer Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller is joining the New York Giants.
Despite all the Buccaneers’ injuries at wide receiver, it’s been a down year for Miller on the offensive side of the ball.
Miller only recorded 2 receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown with Tampa Bay in 2025, but he was a consistent contributor on special teams with 204 snaps and eight tackles in that department.
In 2024, the fan favorite pass-catcher was much more impactful, developing some chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Miller racked up 12 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns last year, which was much better than most expected.
Unfortunately, the former undrafted prospect was unable to build off that level of production this season.
Buccaneers Get Better News on DT C.J. Brewer Amid TNF Elevations vs. Falcons
In order to activate both Evans and McMillan, the Bucs also cut defensive tackle C.J. Brewer on December 10. Auman shared better news on the veteran rotational cog.
“Defensive lineman C.J. Brewer, cut by the Bucs on Wednesday, cleared waivers today and is expected to sign back on the Bucs’ practice squad,” Auman informed.
As noted above, that was the plan for both Miller and Brewer when the cuts were first announced. So, at least Tampa Bay gets one of their two cuts back on the practice squad.
In the more modernized NFL era, the practice squad has become an extension of a team’s 53-man roster. Two players can be elevated into action each week, and most franchises utilize that option as much as possible.
The Buccaneers elevated two players from the practice squad on December 11, as did the Falcons. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport announced both pairs of roster moves on X.
“The Bucs elevated DL Adam Gotsis and DB and special teamer JT Gray from the practice squad. So, not yet for [Jason Pierre-Paul],” Rapoport began. “The Falcons elevated S Jammie Robinson and WR Chris Blair from the practice squad to play tonight.”
The Gray elevation is a perfect example of what could have been for Miller in future weeks. Although Tampa Bay is unlikely to need him as a wide receiver now that everyone is healthy, they could have certainly elevated him for his special teams prowess.
Ironically, Gotsis will help replace Brewer — who is unavailable this week after being waived — and Gray’s elevation accounts for Miller’s departure.
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