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Buccaneers Round Table: Defensive Keep, Trade, Release

By David Harrison

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stand for the national anthem during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stand for the national anthem during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 23: Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks onto the field prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 23: Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks onto the field prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Zach Sauers

Once again our team at the Pewter Plank was given the round-table question of breaking down a keep/trade/release with the Buccaneers’ star defensive players. The players involved this week… Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, and Brent Grimes.

Like I stated in our previous round-table which dealt with the offensive side of the ball, this one was quite obvious as well.

Here is why.

To begin, the obvious answer on who to keep is Gerald McCoy. Not only has McCoy been the leader of this Bucs organization for the past seven years, but he has been one of the most dominant inside pass rushers in the league.  No defensive tackle has had more sacks than McCoy since the 2013 season.

As for a trade, it would be almost impossible to trade a 34-year-old corner for a reasonable price tag… which is why Brent Grimes would be released.

Must Read: Week 7 Game Changers

TRADE LAVONTE?

Yes, unfortunately given the circumstances this would be the best option. A still young linebacker who has been one of the best outside backers in the league for the past few seasons would receive a hefty return. Believe it or not, Buc fans should be starting to question just how long David will stay on the roster with Kwon Alexander and Kendell Beckwith looking like budding stars in the league.

Can they afford all three?

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