In a surprising turn of events, the Buffalo Bills have lost a valuable asset from their practice squad, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers swooped in to sign versatile offensive lineman Dan Feeney to their active roster. The move, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, highlights the inherent risks of keeping experienced players on the practice squad, where they can be poached by other teams in need.
The Buccaneers acted swiftly to address a critical need on their offensive line after starting right guard Cody Mauch suffered a season-ending injury during Tampa Bay’s Monday night victory over the Houston Texans. Feeney, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound veteran, brings a wealth of experience and flexibility to the Bucs’ roster, making him an ideal fit to fill the void.
Feeney, now 31 years old, has had a notable NFL career since being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers out of Indiana University. Over his eight-year career, he has appeared in 120 games, starting 65 of them. His tenure with the Chargers saw him become a mainstay, starting every game from 2018 to 2020. However, since leaving Los Angeles, Feeney has transitioned into more of a rotational role, starting just eight games since the 2021 season across stints with the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings.
The Bills had signed Feeney on August 4, only to release him on August 26 before re-signing him to their practice squad the following day. Despite his experience, Feeney had yet to appear in a regular-season game for Buffalo. His time on the practice squad made him vulnerable to being signed by another team, and Tampa Bay capitalized on the opportunity to bolster their offensive line with a player known for his versatility—often described as a “Swiss Army knife” for his ability to play multiple positions along the line.
Feeney’s departure is a blow to the Bills, who valued his depth and experience, even if he was not a regular starter. His ability to play both guard and center made him a valuable insurance policy for a team with playoff aspirations. For Tampa Bay, however, Feeney represents a critical addition as they look to maintain their momentum following a key win. His extensive starting experience with the Chargers and his familiarity with high-pressure situations should provide immediate stability to the Buccaneers’ offensive front.
The move underscores the unpredictable nature of NFL roster management, particularly when it comes to practice squad players. For the Bills, losing Feeney serves as a reminder of the risks involved in stashing seasoned veterans on the practice squad. For Feeney, this is a fresh opportunity to return to a prominent role on an active roster, showcasing his skills with a Tampa Bay team in need of his talents.
As the NFL season progresses, Feeney’s impact with the Buccaneers will be closely watched, while the Bills will need to adjust their depth chart and hope their gamble on the practice squad doesn’t cost them further down the line.