Buccaneers Overview:
As the trade deadline is steadily approaching, the market has been active, but the Buccaneers remain quiet. Teams such as the Bills, Chiefs, and Vikings are adding pieces to give them that extra push toward contention. As a team aiming towards a playoff run this year, what moves could the Buccaneers make to give them a boost for the second half of the season?
6 Players to target for the Buccaneers:
Tre’Davious White
Position- CB
Age- 29
Team- L.A. Rams
Cornerback is without a doubt a position of need at this time. They have had solid CB play to this point, but not nearly enough depth. With the injury to Jamel Dean, the CB position has now gotten even thinner for the Bucs. Rookie undrafted free agent Tyrek Funderburk has been taking snaps in Dean’s place, which is not ideal.
The former All-Pro, White, has been benched since week 5 due to his on-field performance. This further pushes the agenda of him being a strong candidate to be traded. Although he may be past his prime, the depth at CB is absolutely needed. Additionally, he could be available for a cheap cost.
Jonathan Jones
Position- CB
Age- 31
Team- New England Patriots
Jones is another CB who could be on the move this season, as the Patriots will likely be sellers at the deadline. Jones is in the last year of his deal, making him a free agent at the end of this season. The situation is a perfect setup for a trade, and the Bucs are in a situation to be the team at the other end of that trade.
Brandon Scherff
Position- OG
Age- 32
Team- Jacksonville Jaguars
Offensive Guard has been a concern since the start of the season. Getting a reliable piece to solidify the offensive line would be a huge addition for the offense. Scherff is a skilled veteran that fits the build.
Mike Williams
Position- WR
Age- 30
Teams- Jets
Williams is currently on a one-year deal, making him an ideal candidate for the Buccaneers. With the sudden and serious injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs find themselves with a lack of depth at the WR position. Additionally, many other teams around the league have been making trades for big-name WRs. Although they have young talent in Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer, adding a skilled veteran and true WR1 would be ideal. Williams could be the perfect one-year rental to come in and provide support to Baker and this Buccaneers offense.
Although it seems like Williams would be a good fit, there are several other options at the WR position still available. Some other possible targets include Courtland Sutton, Jakobi Meyers, Darius Slayton, and K.J. Osborn.
Isaiah Simmons
Position- LB
Age- 26
Team- New York Giants
As discussed in my previous article, an MLB with proficient pass coverage skills would be a helpful addition. K.J. Britt has been a great voice for the locker room, however, that has not translated to his on-field play. More specifically, regarding his pass coverage. This was shown after Kirk Cousins and the Flacons torched the Buccaneer’s defense yet again. Simmons is a very athletic linebacker, who has experience with many other positions on the field from his time with the Cardinals. Especially the Safety position. He would without a doubt be an upgrade over K.J. Britt in terms of pass coverage at the MLB position.
Chase Young
Position- DE
Age- 25
Team- New Orleans Saints
Though Defensive End is not a direct need for the Buccaneers currently, Young is an extremely talented player. He would without a doubt provide a huge boost to this defense. Having Young opposite Yaya Diaby on the defensive line would bring a new element to the defense and make life painful for opposing quarterbacks. Another option they could pursue that would have the same impact at the Edge position would be Za’Darius Smith.
Buccaneers Outlook:
Although the Buccaneers have been unlucky with injuries this season, there is still hope for a playoff run. The team still has plenty of talent and chemistry working for them, along with a winning record. However, getting replacements for these injured players and filling other holes in the roster is key to future success for this team.
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