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Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster and player eligibility dispute

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2026-08-28 04:05 UTC → 2026-08-31 04:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are evaluating their edge rusher depth during the preseason. Former second-round pick Chris Braswell faces potential release following a preseason performance that yielded no statistical contributions. Meanwhile, undrafted free agent Jack Pyburn is competing for a roster spot. Pyburn is among 16 athletes who secured a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, a legal move that could allow them to seek a fifth year of college eligibility and enter the transfer portal if released from NFL rosters before September 1. Pyburn has stated his intention to return to the LSU Tigers for the 2026 season if he does not secure an NFL roster spot. This plan is tied to a Louisiana federal lawsuit involving the NCAA and the SEC. The ruling potentially conflicts with a new SEC policy that prohibits athletes who have been on professional rosters or signed professional contracts from competing in the conference. The SEC is expected to challenge the ruling to uphold its policy. On August 31, the Buccaneers waived Pyburn during NFL roster reductions. Pyburn is part of a group of plaintiffs, including TJ Harden, Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Anthony Hankerson, who argue they are being deprived of educational opportunities and name, image, and likeness (NIL) benefits. The legal dispute centers on a rule change allowing five years of eligibility that only applies to students who began college in 2023 or later. While Power Four conferences have ruled that players with NFL contracts are ineligible, these regulations remain in legal limbo pending court resolutions and an upcoming hearing for the SEC.

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