Former Buccaneers linebacker John Bullock was claimed off waivers by the Colts on Monday, according to the NFL transactions wire.
Bullock, an undrafted rookie out of Nebraska, appeared in 15 games with Tampa Bay this season, playing mainly on special teams. He finished with 10 tackles (three solo).
The Buccaneers waived Bullock on Friday, ahead of the Week 18 finale against the Panthers. Tampa Bay finished in a three-way tie atop the NFC South at 8-9, but missed the postseason based on a tiebreaker.
Undrafted Rookie Impressed Bucs on Special Teams
The 6-foot, 230-pound Bullock originally signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 9.
Bullock played in 47 games over four seasons at Nebraska, recording 126 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5,5 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and intercepted a pass, including one for a touchdown.
The undersized linebacker’s play opened eyes during the preseason, with head coach Todd Bowles admiring his consistency.
“He just kept showing up. Every practice, every preseason game, he was making plays,” Bowles said, via the Bucs Wire. “That’s what you want to see from a young guy.”
After being a longshot to make the team, Bullock cracked the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster out of camp. He carved an important role on kickoffs and punts, logging 253 snaps on special teams.
How Does Bullock Fit With Colts
The Buccaneers may have hoped to sneak Bullock through waivers. But that’s a moot point now, as he starts over with the Colts.
Indianapolis boasted one of the NFL’s best special teams units this season, ranking second in kickoff return average (28.8), and Bullock will have a chance to compete for a regular role.
After missing the postseason, the Colts (8-9) will likely bring in as many warm bodies as they can in hopes of finding help for the future. Being only 24, Bullock represents a potential building block as Indianapolis shifts its sights forward.
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