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Report: Buccaneers to Release Michael Johnson

Exactly a year after signing defensive end Michael Johnson to a five-year, $43.75 million contract, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the verge of releasing the once prized free agent.

Johnson, 28, recorded just four sacks in his only season with Tampa Bay. He’s three years removed from putting up an 11.5 sack performance for the Cincinnati Bengals, who selected the former Georgia Tech standout in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft.

It’s a disturbing trend for Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and company. This move comes on the heels of the team releasing 2014 free-agent signings Josh McCown and Anthony Collins earlier this offseason.

Johnson’s deal was structured (smartly by his agent) in a way that he received upfront guarantees that won’t be impacted by his release.

By releasing Johnson and Collins, the Buccaneers take on a $10 million dead cap hit for 2015. McCown’s guarantees came in Year 1.

NFL Media’s Mike Silver suggests that the Bengals might be in play for Johnson’s services.

Photo: USA Today

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