Laird spent last season with the Buccaneers’ practice squad and has a chance to revert to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The former UDFA is entering his fifth year in the league and has proven reliable on special teams and as added depth in the backfield. In addition to Laird, the Buccaneers also released/waived WR Taye Barber, LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, DL C.J. Brewer, LS Evan Deckers, T Silas Dzansi, WR Kaylon Geiger, G Luke Haggard, CB Keenan Isaac, WR Cephus Johnson, S Richard LeCounte, WR Ryan Miller, G John Molchon, G Michael Niese, T Raiqwon O’Neal, DL Willington Previlon, OLB Jose Ramirez, OLB Hamilcar Rashed, LB J.J. Russell, OLB Charles Snowden, TE Tanner Taula, S Nolan Turner, WR Kade Warner, CB Rodarius Williams, TE Dominique Dafney, CB Don Gardner, S Kedrick Whitehead, C Chris Murray, CB Anthony Chesley, LB Ulysees Gilbert, RB Patrick Laird, WR David Moore, DL Patrick O’Connor, DL Deadrin Senat and QB John Wolford.

Laird signed with the Bucs after they lost Kenjon Barner to a season-ending injury. He was always a long-shot to make Tampa Bay's roster given the recent draft picks they have spent on running backs. Laird could land on the Bucs' practice squad once he clears waivers.

In a corresponding move, they sent RB Kenjon Barner to IR. Laird rushed for 168 yards and a score on 62 carries in Miami in 2019, adding 204 yards on 23 receptions. He's a passing-downs capable RB who could get some extra work if Gio Bernard is sidelined, but he probably doesn't have a path to fantasy relevance beyond a major injury rash in Tampa. 

A fantasy football folk hero, Laird has three catches and one rushing attempt on the season. His absence won't affect Myles Gaskin, who has dominated backfield touches for Miami in recent weeks.