As teams across the NFL begin the difficult process of trimming their rosters to the 53-man regular-season limit, tough choices must be made. For most of these players, making an NFL roster and playing in the league is their life-long dream. And many will have those dreams dashed over the next 24 hours — at least for now.
Fan-favorites and underdog stories don’t always pan out. That seems to be the case for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie C Jake Majors. According to Greg Auman, the Bucs will be waiving Majors with an injury designation due to a wrist injury suffered in the preseason.
Majors was an undrafted free agent (UDFA) back in April after many draft analysts — myself included — had him as a projected mid-round pick. The fact that he wasn’t drafted was a surprise, though he caught on with Tampa Bay after the draft and his great play was one of the stories of camp. Auman reports the Buccaneers might resign him once he’s healed from his injury.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Offensive Line Depth Takes a Hit
Michael Hickey/GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Jake Majors of Texas speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Majors is more than just a fun camp story. He had become legitimately important depth along the offensive line in Tampa Bay. Now, without him, the backup center spot is looking rough.
The tackle spots are set with All-Pro Tristan Wirfs on the left side and Luke Goedeke on the right. 2024 first-rounder Graham Barton is the guy at center, with Ben Bredeson at left guard and Luke Haggard at right guard. Former starter Cody Mauch is the primary backup at both guard spots, and he can play tackle in a pinch too. Charlie Heck, Mike Jordan, and Elijah Klein will all likely make the roster to round out the Buccaneers’ depth chart.
Mauch is a capable backup, but the other three guys leave much to be desired. If one of Tampa Bay’s starters is forced to miss time, due to injury or otherwise, they could be in trouble quickly. Majors was going to be relied on as critical depth at center. Now the Bucs may be forced to look elsewhere.
UDFAs Face Uphill Battles to Make Rosters Every Year
Typically, a little over two dozen UDFAs make their respective team’s initial 53-man rosters each year. Not every team keeps a UDFA, but most do, and a few keep multiple. Last year, a whopping 57 UDFAs made initial rosters, with the Rams keeping six. Could we see a similar number this year?
Majors won’t qualify for this, unfortunately. He was trending towards winning the Bucs’ backup center job behind Barton, but that role will now likely be filled by Mauch. Tampa Bay may also be in the market for a backup center on waivers or perhaps via trade, though this may only be a temporary need. As Auman said, Majors may yet return to the Buccaneers once he’s fully recovered.
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