The Pewter Plank
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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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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 11: Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts prior to entering the field to face the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 11: Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts prior to entering the field to face the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Michael Horan

The Buccaneers defense has struggled to live up to expectations this season, but through no fault of Brent Grimes, Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David.

In fact, a sizable portion of the struggles came while Grimes and David were on the bench with injury. If the Buccaneers were forced to cut any of these players it would be a death knell for the entire team, but Brent Grimes would be the bullet I’d bite.

Even though he’s among the ten best cover corners in the league, Grimes’ age means he doesn’t have a ton of trade value, and it’s been hinted at that he may retire after this season.

Of David and McCoy, I’d choose to trade David for draft picks and a defensive end to help the teams’ pass rush.

David is extremely valuable to the Bucs defense and is one of their most consistent play-makers, but the linebacker position isn’t as valuable as a star defensive tackle.

McCoy would be my keeper; many of the Buccaneers problems spawn from their lack of disruption on the defensive line, and moving McCoy would break the entire defense.

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