Rico

McCoy

Despite rumors Alston had fallen out of the favor among Bucs coaches, it’s a surprise that they have up on him so easily. Tampa Bay is awfully thin at all three linebacker positions, and the athletic, 27-year-old Alston has starting experience. It appears the Bucs will roll with undrafted free agent Rico McCoy as Geno Hayes’ primary backup on the weak side.

This is Snead’s second release by the Bucs. Tampa decided Rudy Carpenter was a better third-string option. The team is keeping six linebackers, but McCoy may land on the practice squad. Purvis played at Boston College.