Alex Tanney

NFC Links: Panthers, Bucs, Lions, Packers

We’ve taken a look at rumors from the NFC West and NFC East this afternoon. Now let’s focus on some links from the North and South divisions…

Bucs Sign Four Players, Cut Three

The Buccaneers have announced a series of roster moves, officially adding four players and cutting three to make room on the 90-man roster. As Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com details, the team has signed quarterback Alex Tanney, wide receiver Quintin Payton, and tight end Ian Thompson. The club also confirmed the signing of tight end Cameron Brate, whose deal was reported yesterday. To clear space on the roster, defensive lineman David Hunter, punter Jacob Schum, and quarterback Brett Smith have been waived.

Of the Bucs’ new additions, Tanney represents perhaps the most interesting name. The former Monmouth signal-caller has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, but he has spent time with the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Browns, and was cut by Cleveland last week. While Tanney is a long shot to make the 53-man roster, given the presence of Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, and Mike Kafka, Tampa Bay liked him enough to cut loose Smith, who was just signed last week as an undrafted free agent.

Browns Cut Vince Young, Four Others

Vince Young‘s stint with the Browns was short-lived, as owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed today that Cleveland has released the veteran quarterback (Twitter link via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer). The Browns also cut quarterback Alex Tanney, defensive back Brandon Hughes, defensive lineman Brian Sanford, and running back Fozzy Whittaker, according to the team (Twitter link).

Young, who turns 31 this weekend, signed a contract with the Browns at the start of May after participating in the team’s minicamp. The former Pro Bowler spent time in camp with the Packers in 2013 and the Bills in 2012, but was released prior to the regular season in both instances, and hasn’t seen any real NFL playing time since 2011 in Philadelphia.

With Young and Tanney out of the picture, the quarterbacks on Cleveland’s roster include Brian Hoyer, Tyler Thigpen, Connor Shaw, who agreed to sign as an undrafted free agent, and, of course, 22nd overall pick Johnny Manziel.