Two Teams Make Substantial Trades, Could/Should The Buccaneers Join In?

Buccaneers fans, this week has been one that saw two large trades take place that could change the balance of power in the NFL. First Davante Adams was moved from the Raiders to the Jets reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers. Presumably creating an offense that should see a jump in production. On the heels of this trade, Amari Cooper found a new home with Buffalo. With the Bills rolling right now they stand to get a great deal of impact out of Cooper who has been subjected to sub par quarterback play in Cleveland. So if teams are looking to reset could one of these two teams make a deal that the Buccaneers would find impactful this season?  

Las Vegas Raiders

The question becomes now, who might they part with and for how much? First, lets get the big name off the list out of the way. Maxx Crosby is a piece they intend to build around and will likely be retained. Additionally he carry’s a $30 million dollar cap hit. One the Buccaneers can’t touch with their current situation and Chris Godwin’s contract issue. So who else could be a good addition? Robert Spillane may be 28 years old but the inside linebacker seems like a late bloomer. After spending four seasons with Pittsburgh Spillane found himself in Las Vegas. In 2022 he racked up 79 tackles (52 solo), a sack, four pass deflections, and ten tackles for loss. Once he made the move to the Raiders he putt down a stat line of 148 tackles (82 solo) 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and recover, three interceptions, four pass deflections, and 10.5 tackles for loss. Impressive numbers even for being on a floundering team. A team that may take a late round pick for an aging line backer. This season he is on pace to beat out his last seasons production. Sitting at 62 tackles (42 solo), a sack, and interception, three pass deflections, and 6.5 tackles for loss he has been impressive. With K.J. Britt having some struggles and little depth to be had Spillane could jump in along side the great Lavonte David and further bolster this line backer corps in both the run and pass game. Additionally, he only accounts for $2.6 million on the cap this season and $5.3 next. Add in Britt and David are free agents after this season it could be a way to ensure linebacker quality moving forward for at least one more season.

Cleveland Browns

Like the Raiders the Browns have Myles Garrett instead of Crosby. But aging, he’s a part of the team moving forward that they likely plan to stick with. Also like Crosby he cost o much for the Buccaneers to trade for. Sitting at $20 million dollars the Buccaneers can’t afford to make a trade of that substantial of a contract. So who else is on their roster? Za’Darius Smith comes to mind but he could be looked at as an aging asset. Jerry Judy is intriguing but with three seasons after this one on a relatively inexpensive contract they may see him as the number one receiver moving forward. Denzel Ward is a good candidate for trade at this point too, but is too expensive for the Buccaneers. To be honest there are few players I see on the Browns squad that, one, they may be willing to trade, and two, could step in with the team and provide key depth or push to start.

Buccaneers Final Thought

The trade deadline was pushed back a week giving poor performing teams the ability to further determine the future value of some of its players and make trades. If the Buccaneers continue to roll and can remain in the running for the playoffs before facing the Chiefs they may be players for a trade. In the next article I will look at other struggling teams and look for other trade candidates.

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