The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released Cameron Brate, one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history, Scott Smith of the team's official website reports.

Brate played nine seasons for the Buccaneers and recorded 273 catches for 2,857 yards and 33 touchdowns. The only tight end in team history with higher totals in all three categories is Ring of Honor member Jimmie Giles. Brate narrowly missed eclipsing Giles' totals for catches (279) and touchdown receptions (34).

Brate also ranks as one of the most accomplished players in Buccaneer annals who arrived as an undrafted free agent. Tampa Bay signed the former Harvard standout in May of 2014 and he spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad before a late-season promotion allowed him to appear in five games. Brate also started his second season on the practice squad and actually spent one week with the New Orleans Saints after he was released in mid-September. The Bucs quickly signed him back to their active roster and he spent the next eight seasons putting up impressive numbers.

In 2016, Brate's first full season on the active roster, he posted career highs in receptions (57), yards (660) and touchdowns (8). From 2016 through 2018, Brate racked up 20 touchdown receptions, tied for second in the NFL in that span, just two behind Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce. He recorded at least 30 catches and at least four touchdowns in five of his last seven seasons.

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