The Buccaneers’ plan to cut cornerback Eric Wright was put on hold when Wright filed a grievance challenging the voiding of his $7.75 guaranteed salary for the 2013 season.
They can now proceed with their plan. Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune reports that the NFL has told the team that the grievance has been denied and his contract has indeed been voided. That expected result means the Bucs can release Wright without any financial penalty, although their timing on that decision will likely be impacted by their ability to sign a cornerback to replace Wright in the lineup.
Wright could conceivably remain in Tampa with a smaller salary should the Bucs decide to work things out that way. The one thing that’s all but certain is that he won’t be making $7.75 million in 2013.
Wright’s guarantee was voided because of his four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, which is allowed under the CBA. Wright challenged that ruling based on the language in his contract, but the league did not agree with his interpretation.