The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a late-season tweak to their roster, promoting veteran defensive back J.T. Gray from the practice squad to the active roster. In a corresponding move, the team waived rookie linebacker Nick Jackson.
For Gray, this marks the latest chapter in a winding NFL journey that’s been defined by persistence, special teams excellence, and a reputation for doing the dirty work coaches love. Originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State back in 2018, Gray clawed his way onto the 53-man roster as a rookie-a feat in itself for an undrafted player. Although he was later released and sent to the practice squad, the Saints saw enough in him to bring him back on a futures deal in 2019.
That move paid off. Gray became a core special teams contributor in New Orleans, earning a two-year, $4 million extension in 2021. By 2023, the Saints doubled down again, signing him to a three-year, $9.6 million deal-clear evidence of how much they valued his impact in the third phase of the game.
But the NFL is a business, and ahead of the 2025 season, the Saints released Gray. From there, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. He landed on the Ravens’ practice squad, got a brief call-up to the Broncos in October, and then found his way to Tampa Bay’s practice squad in recent weeks.
Now, with the Bucs still looking to tighten up the back end of their roster as the season winds down, Gray gets another shot on an active roster. He’s appeared in just one game this season-split between the Broncos and Buccaneers-and recorded a single tackle.
But don’t let the stat line fool you. Gray’s value has always gone beyond the box score.
He’s a tone-setter on special teams, a locker room presence, and a player who’s carved out a career by doing the little things right.
As for Jackson, the rookie linebacker is the odd man out in this shuffle. It’s a tough break, but not uncommon for undrafted or late-round rookies trying to find their footing in a league that offers little margin for error. He’ll now look for another opportunity, whether it’s on a practice squad or a fresh start elsewhere.
For Tampa Bay, this move is about experience and reliability. Gray brings both-and at this stage of the season, that can be the difference in close games, especially on special teams where a single missed assignment can swing momentum. It’s not a headline-grabbing transaction, but it’s the kind of roster move that playoff hopefuls make to shore up depth and add proven veterans who know what it takes to stay in the league.