The Buccaneers made a few roster changes on Wednesday, May 22. In addition to signing rookie defensive back Tykee Smith, a third-round pick, the team added a new defensive lineman and released a veteran running back.
During the first week of Bucs OTAs, the team added defensive tackle Earnest Brown IV while waiving running back Patrick Laird.
Bucs Sign DT Earnest Brown, Waive RB Patrick Laird
Earnest Brown IV, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive end, was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round (No. 174 overall) of the 2021 Draft. Brown has appeared in 12 career games for the Rams, making three starts and recording 14 tackles (one for loss). He spent most of his time on Los Angeles’ practice squad and was briefly signed by San Francisco in February, but was releaseNFLd in May before training camp began.
Earnest Brown IV, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive end, was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round (No. 174 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Brown has appeared in 12 career games for the Rams, making three starts and recording 14 tackles (one for loss). He spent most of his time on Los Angeles’ practice squad and was briefly signed by San Francisco in February, but was released in May before training camp began.
The Aubrey, Texas native attended Northwestern University from 2017 until 2020. He played in 40 college games and had 70 tackles (18.5 for loss), nine passes defensed, seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
The 28-year-old Laird has spent the previous two years on Tampa Bay’s practice squad. He made his NFL debut in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins.