Bucs release five, including Dilger

[WebHamster]

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released five players on Tuesday, including tight ends Ken Dilger and Roland Williams.

Linebacker Dwayne Rudd, receiver Karl Williams and safety Than Merrill were also cut in an effort to make room under the salary cap.

The NFL's free agency period begins Wednesday.

Dilger had 22 catches for 244 yards and a touchdown during the 2003 season, his second with the Bucs. He was signed as a free agent in 2002 after spending his first seven seasons with Indianapolis.

Rudd spent just one year with Tampa Bay after signing as a free agent from Cleveland before the 2003 campaign. He played the first four years of his career with Minnesota and spent two seasons with the Browns.

Karl Williams had just seven catches last season and led the club with a 7.3 yard punt return average.

Roland Williams appeared in just one game after being signed in November.

The Bucs also freed up some room under the cap by restructuring the contract of offensive lineman Kerry Jenkins.