TAMPA, Fla. — Veteran receiver Cole Beasley’s tenure with the Bucs is ending after two games.
The team confirmed Wednesday that Beasley, 33, has opted to retire — effective immediately — reportedly to devote more time to his family. NFL Network first reported Beasley’s departure.
Following his Tampa Bay debut two Sundays ago against the Packers, Beasley — a married dad of three — spoke of the surreal nature of watching his two sons play flag football and T-ball one weekend, and catching spirals from Tom Brady the next.
“I don’t know how anybody cannot relate to that,” fellow receiver Chris Godwin said Wednesday. “He’s been doing this for what? Over a decade now? I think that makes sense. He misses his family, go out there and be with his kids. You can’t put a price on that, man.”
Signed to the practice squad two weeks ago to help replenish an injury-depleted receiving corps, Beasley was elevated to the active roster each of the past two games. He had three receptions (on four targets) for 12 yards in the 14-12 loss to the Packers on Sept. 25, with a 5-yard reception in Sunday night’s 41-31 loss to the Chiefs.
But the Bucs appear to be getting healthier at receiver. Julio Jones (knee) and Breshad Perriman (knee, hamstring) suited up for Wednesday’s practice, as did Russell Gage (hamstring). Godwin, who missed two games with a hamstring issue, had seven catches against the Chiefs.
A second-team All-Pro in 2020, Beasley finishes his NFL career with 554 catches for 5,726 yards and 34 touchdowns, highlighted by consecutive 82-catch seasons with the Bills in 2020 and 2021.
“I think if that was the right thing for him, like that was right on his heart, then I fully support him,” added Godwin, who nonetheless said he was stunned by the news.
“In the couple of weeks that I’ve gotten to know him, he’s a good guy. He has a great personality, he’s very funny. But if that was his move, that’s his move, man. I wish him the best. He’s a good dude.”
