Carl Nicks Parts Ways with Buccaneers: Latest Details, Reaction and More

Updates from Wednesday, July 30

Scott Smith of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announces the team has released Carl Nicks:

Original Text:

Carl Nicks has seen his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to an end after the two sides agreed to part ways. The team announced the decision on Friday.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carl Nicks have mutually agreed that they will part ways, ending his tenure with the team," the statement reads. "After signing as an unrestricted free agent during the 2012 offseason, Nicks played in nine games for the Buccaneers over the past two seasons."

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer adds that the player will receive a settlement from the organization:

Nicks provided a statement about the decision, via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times:

"

I'd like to think the Buccaneers organization for working with me as I have attempted to get myself back on the football field. However, after careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from the game. This was by no means an easy decision, but I believe that it was what is best for me and my family, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"

The offensive guard played only two games last season as he dealt with MRSA, which followed only seven starts in 2012. Prior to that, however, the lineman was considered one of the best in the game as a member of the New Orleans Saints.

Nicks was a fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft and quickly earned a starting role with the team. He played a big part in the squad's 2009 Super Bowl win before being named to two Pro Bowls. After the 2011 season, the guard was named first-team All-Pro.

Unfortunately, he has had a hard time staying on the field since signing a $47.5 million deal in 2012. Nicks was excused from Tampa Bay's training camp this week, a move that more or less signaled the end of his Buccaneers career.

As Bleacher Report's Matt Miller points out, MRSA likely played a big role in this downfall:

If the 29-year-old can no longer compete in the NFL, coaching would be a reasonable career path for him. However, Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo points out that the player has not officially retired:

It is not yet known where Nicks will go from here, but this is clearly a disappointing situation for a once-promising career. 

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