The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have openly talked about finding competition for starting quarterback Josh Freeman, but that plan won't include backup Dan Orlovsky.
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The Bucs cut Orlovsky on Thursday after just one season in Tampa Bay, the team announced. His release clears $1.5 million off the books. Orlovsky, 29, played in just a single game last season following previous stops with the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
Tampa Bay also released running back D.J. Ware, clearing another $750,000 in salary cap space. Ware rushed for just 51 yards on 11 carries during his one season with the team. The writing was on the wall for the six-year veteran after the Bucs signed free-agent running back Brian Leonard this week.
With just Adam Weber sitting behind Freeman, the Bucs aren't finished adding quarterbacks. Taking a passer with the 13th overall pick would be a stunner after coach Greg Schiano talked about Freeman as his starter, but all bets are off later in the draft as the Bucs look to rebuild their quarterback room.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
