Buccaneers to work out notable kicker
Tampa Bay waived Jake Verity earlier this month, briefly leaving them with only one kicker on the roster (Chase McLaughlin). The arrival of Blankenship will give the Buccaneers another opportunity to conduct a competition at the position, something the latter will need to win out to get his career back on track.
Blankenship had a strong rookie season with the Colts in 2020, converting 86.5% of his field goal attempts (including 31 of 34 from inside 50 yards). The Georgia alum also made all but two of his extra point kicks, and appeared to be on course for a lengthy tenure as Indianapolis’ kicker. Things have taken an unwanted turn since, then, however.
The 2019 Lou Groza award winner was limited to just three games in 2021, and was waived early last season. That marked a disappointing end to his Colts tenure, and ultimately led him to the Cardinals’ practice squad. Blankenship, 26, made a pair of appearances in Arizona last season, converting both of his field goal tries and two of three extra point attempts. With Matt Prater re-signing in March, though, the team’s kicker situation is not in doubt.
Blankenship is thus in need of a new opportunity as he looks to re-discover the form he enjoyed three seasons ago. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is in search of a Ryan Succop successor, after the veteran was released following a three-year run with the team.
Blankenship will likely need to wait until training camp to land his next tryout if this endeavor does not result in a deal being offered.
