TAMPA, Fla. -- The Buccaneers have released defensive end Vinny Curry, the first major roster cut under new head coach Bruce Arians.
The Bucs signed Curry last offseason to a three-year deal worth $23 million with $6.5 million guaranteed to replace Robert Ayers. Curry dealt with a nagging ankle injury through much of the season. He started seven of 12 games, finishing with 21 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Curry lost his starting job to Carl Nassib, a player claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
He was due to make $8 million in 2019, none of which was guaranteed.
The Bucs are undergoing a scheme change under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles into more of a 3-4 defense, making Curry more expendable. Heading into the offseason, the Bucs had about $15 million in salary-cap space.