DT Jon Bradley had a strong training camp for the Buccaneers this summer
On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued to massage their roster in the wake of Tuesday's trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Having sent defensive tackle Anthony McFarland to the Colts for a second-round draft pick, the Bucs reloaded their D-Line rotation by re-signing third-year man Jon Bradley.
Bradley takes the 53-man roster spot that opened on Tuesday evening when the team released cornerback Derrick Strait. Strait had been claimed off waivers the week before from the New York Jets but was let go when the Bucs subsequently signed cornerback Phillip Buchanon on Tuesday.
The Bucs also tweaked the practice squad on Wednesday, signing wide receiver Chad Lucas, previously of the Green Bay Packers. A spot on that eight-man roster was made available Tuesday when the team released CB Dion Byrum. Also, the Bucs have swapped out one other spot on the practice squad, releasing quarterback Bryan Randall and re-signing tight end Keith Heinrich. Heinrich had previously been on the Bucs' practice squad from September 13 through October 2.
The 6-0, 301-pound Bradley should be able to step right in to the Buccaneers' DT rotation. He spent most of the past two seasons in Tampa, appearing in 19 games, including 13 last year. Bradley was one of several defensive tackles who had an outstanding training camp for the team this summer, but he was released from that crowded position on September 2, during the final cut-down to 53 men.
Bradley originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with this week's opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, in 2004. He was released by the Eagles just before the '04 regular season but signed shortly thereafter with the Bucs' practice squad. Tampa Bay elevated the former Arkansas State standout to their active roster in November and he went on to appear in six of the last nine games, contributing six tackles and one sack.
Bradley made the Bucs' 53-man roster with another good training camp in 2005 and, after being deactivated for the first three weeks, played in the final 13 games, largely on special teams.
At Arkansas State, Bradley started 38 games and concluded his college career with 217 tackles, 11 sacks and first-team all conference honors in 2002 and 2003.
Lucas spent much of last season on Green Bay's practice squad, though he did make a one-game cameo in November during a brief call-up to the active roster. After the season, the Packers allocated the 6-1, 201-pound receiver to the NFL Europe League and, playing for the Amsterdam Admirals, he led the league with eight touchdown receptions. In all, Lucas caught 27 passes for 440 yards overseas before returning for another Packers training camp. This time, he was released prior to the regular season.
Lucas originally entered the league with the Tennessee Titans in 2004 as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State. He was with the Titans only briefly, however, before signing with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena League.
At Alabama State, Lucas caught 46 passes for 794 yards and three touchdowns as a senior. He played two seasons at Alabama State after transferring from Troy State.
