NFL teams have until May 3 to pick up the fifth-year option on first-round draft picks from 2011. Plenty of front offices have pulled that trigger, but Tampa Bay isn't playing ball.
The Buccaneerswon't extend the contract of defensive end Adrian Clayborn, according to Jenna Laine of SportsTalkFlorida.com. ProFootballTalk first reported earlier in the week that Tampa was doubtful to pursue the extra year but has no designs on trading its young pass rusher before September.
Still, it's a strong indication that Clayborn is on his way out after 2014. The former 20th overall pick is set to move to left end in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2-esque scheme this season after Michael Johnson was added through free agency to man the right side.
With 13 sacks in 35 career games, Clayborn finished last season as the No. 47 player at his position out of 52 eligible peers, per Pro Football Focus. He isn't especially strong against the run, which raises concerns about flipping him to the left edge, where teams more frequently stack tight ends to help move the ground game.
Lovie obviously wants to see how Clayborn adapts to that switch before deepening the team's commitment.
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