Dashon Goldson: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Buccaneers Safety's Future

Two years ago, Dashon Goldson was one of a series of massive offseason coups for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A disappointing and costly 27 games later, the Buccaneers are reportedly moving on.

Continue for updates.

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Goldson Reportedly Traded to Redskins

Friday, April 4

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Goldson was traded to Washington for a 2016 draft pick.

On March 16, Goldson commented on the rumors surrounding him via his Twitter account:

On March 12, Stroud reported that the Buccaneers plan to try to trade Goldson, but Stroud noted that even if they don't succeed, Goldson likely won't return to Tampa Bay.

On March 11, Stroud reported Goldson will be released after the Bucs finalize a deal with free-agent safety Chris Conte:

Conte, 26, played for Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith in Chicago from 2011 to 2013. He'll take over a safety position occupied by Goldson each of the last two seasons to little success.

Goldson, 30, signed a five-year, $41.25 million contract with Tampa Bay during the 2013 offseason as part of an all-in push that also landed the Bucs cornerback Darrelle Revis. Like Revis, whose stint in Tampa lasted exactly one season despite the team giving up a first-round pick in exchange, Goldson proved to be anything but a home run.

The Washington product made one interception in a Buccaneers uniform and was consistently burned in downfield coverage. Pro Football Focus ranked Goldson 40th among qualifying safeties in its coverage metric and 36th in run stop percentage. From an overall grades perspective, Washington's Ryan Clark was the only safety in 87 ranked worse than Goldson last season.

USA TODAY Sports

All of which came at a cost of $9 million between base salaries and roster bonuses. The Buccaneers were due to pay $7.5 million more for Goldson's services in 2015 along with a $500,00 workout bonus. By cutting him, they will save at least $4 million on their cap for this season and up to $6 million if they designate him a post-June 1 cut.

Interest on the open market for Goldson will be fascinating to watch. On one hand, he's two years removed from being one of the most-coveted free agents in football. On the other, his abysmal two-year stretch in Tampa all but eliminated the notion of him being a foundational piece. Heading into his age-31 season, it's possible Goldson looks for a short-term deal on a contender with hopes of hitting the market again after a bounce-back season.

Either way, wherever he lands, it won't come with nearly as much fanfare as his deal in Tampa. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.

Contract data via Spotrac.