It happens every year. Between the Super Bowl and the start of the next league year there are players released from their remaining contracts who then get a head start on deciding their playing future.
This year, the Atlanta Falcons have gotten to work early releasing cornerback Robert Alford and kicker Matt Bryant.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that there will be more. And they will all likely get paid much less than the contract they were supposed to be under was providing. Thus making them attractive partners for teams like the Bucs who have potential already, and precious little cap space to work with.