The Bucs made a bold move to get under the salary cap today.

Wait a minute. The Bucs are already miles under the cap. Surely, this move had nothing to do with money.

Experienced backup offensive lineman Sean Mahan and his $1.6 million salary were released today. Stephen Holder, of the St. Pete Times, suspects money was a factor.

We’ve learned the Bucs have not been pleased with Mahan’s recent performance and have discussed releasing him in recent weeks. It was clear they didn’t think too highly of him when he was asked earlier in the year to restructure his contract. Still, he was due to make $1.6 million in base salary this season, something that likely was a factor in this decision.

To replace Mahan, and presumably Arron Sears (remember him?), the Bucs have signed guard Marcus Johnson, who was cut from the Raiders last month, and another Raiders castoff, rookie center Jonathan Compass.  (Not exactly a great feeling to be sifting through the Raiders’ roster)

Joe has no reason to believe the Bucs cut Mahan for any reason other than what he was or wasn’t showing on film. Money surely would never be a factor at such a critical position.

Joe also hopes this means the Bucs are pleased with Iowa Hawkeye rookie center Rob Bruggeman, who seemed like an excellent find as an undrafted free agent. Regardless, Joe enjoyed talking to his dad.