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The Bucs have introduced they’re releasing veteran kicker Ryan Succop after three seasons with the workforce. Succop has a particular place in Bucs historical past for his 2020 season alone. Not solely did he are available and solidify the workforce’s kicking place after it went via a curse of types for a number of years, however he did so after signing on Sept. 1, simply 12 days earlier than Tampa Bay’s season opener at New Orleans.
The Bucs selected to go along with Succop over 2019 fifth-round decide Matt Homosexual, and the veteran rewarded them in a giant method. He totaled 136 factors in 2020, setting a brand new single-season franchise file. His 28-of-31 (90.3%) mark on discipline objectives that season was a major step up from Homosexual in 2019, Cairo Santos and Chandler Catanzaro in 2018, Nick Folks and Patrick Murray in 2017, Roberto Aguayo in 2016, Kyle Brindza in 2015…
You get the image. Succop’s steadiness proved extraordinarily precious because the Bucs went on to win Tremendous Bowl LV.
Bucs Launch Ryan Succop, Wanting A Stronger Leg
In 2021, Succop signed a three-year contract extension with the Bucs on the age of 34. He delivered one other robust season for Tampa Bay, totaling 131 factors — the second-most in a single season in workforce historical past. It began with a bang, because the then-35-year-old related on the game-winning discipline aim from 36 yards out to beat the Cowboys within the season opener. Going 25-of-30 (83.3%) on discipline objectives and 56-of-59 (94.9%) on additional factors, he took a little bit of a step again in 2021. Even nonetheless, he was a key a part of Tampa Bay successful a franchise-record 13 video games.
The Bucs had Succop compete with Jose Borregales throughout coaching camp and the preseason previous to the 2022 season, due partially to the veteran’s declining leg energy. Nevertheless, they determined to maintain him over the younger upstart due to his accuracy. In a way, he gave Tampa Bay what it most likely anticipated this previous season. He was 29-of-31 (93.5%) on discipline objectives between 20 and 49 yards out, however just 2-of-7 (28.6%) on kicks beyond 50 yards.
After the season, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles praised Succop whereas additionally acknowledging that the workforce wanted a kicker who might make kicks from 50-plus yards.
“Ryan was very environment friendly this yr, however we’ve received to have the ability to kick longer discipline objectives than we’ve kicked,” Bowles said on his radio show. “I believe we’ve received to get previous 47 yards, be capable to kick from 50, 55 yards as properly.”
With that remark, it grew to become even clearer that Succop wouldn’t be again to play out the ultimate yr of his contract in 2023. That was already unlikely, in fact, given the Bucs’ cap scenario and the financial savings they might get by releasing him. By parting methods with the 14-year veteran, Tampa Bay saves $3,250,000.
Succop finishes his Bucs profession with data for many factors in a season (136 in 2020), most additional factors in a season (56 in 2021) and profession discipline aim share for kickers with a minimal of fifty makes an attempt (.848%). His 384 factors during the last three seasons are the seventh-most in franchise historical past, whereas his 84 discipline objectives are the sixth-most.
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