Buccaneers: Potential trade package for Patrick Peterson

Cornerback Patrick Peterson wants out of Arizona. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in desperate need of a cornerback, let’s make a deal.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Arizona Cardinals star cornerback, Patrick Peterson wants to be traded by the October 30 trade deadline.

Although Arizona’s head coach Steve Wilks shot down the idea during the team’s Monday press conference, Peterson’s cousin and former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden tweeted that Peterson’s number one destination is the New Orleans Saints.

If Peterson is in fact on the trade block, the Buccaneers should move fast to try and jump other teams who may be interested. Peterson may not have the Bucs high on his list, but he doesn’t have enough leverage to force a trade to a specific city.

The price tag for Peterson will be steep; teams may have to give up a first-round pick to land the 28-year-old. The Bucs would be lucky to land a player of that caliber for a first-round pick. While general manager Jason Licht could select a star in the first round of next year’s draft, but there’s a slim chance that player develops into an All-Pro.

The Buccaneers could have the advantage in the draft picks department, as the Cardinals may value their pick more than a selection coming from an undefeated team like the Chiefs. Landing a potential pick in the teens or early 20s sounds a lot better than the 30th overall selection.

Here’s a possible offer the Buccaneers can send to the Cardinals.

Let’s break down this deal.

First of all, Tampa Bay will send over their first round pick next season. With Amari Cooper heading to Dallas for a first-round pick, it would be shocking to see Peterson go for any less.

Although a first-round pick is nearly priceless in the eyes of NFL front offices, Peterson is well worth the expense.

The Buccaneers would have to find a way to move veteran cornerback Brent Grimes in the deal or find another place to move him to make the salaries work. It makes sense to throw him into this deal because the Cardinals won’t have to worry about Grimes’ salary. He is off the books at the end of the season.

And just for good measure, the Bucs will throw in a conditional draft selection in 2020. If Tampa Bay makes the playoffs in one of the two years, that will turn into a fourth-rounder. If the Bucs get into the postseason twice, that will jump to a third-rounder in 2020.

Tampa can even tack on a condition regarding playing time. For instance, if Peterson plays in every game this season and next season, that pick can improve.

Blockbuster deals like this one aren’t commonplace in the NFL. The Cardinals would be sending away a star player, and the Bucs would ship out a valuable draft choice. Still, the deal makes sense for both sides.

Tampa Bay, who is in desperate need of secondary help land one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Arizona nets two draft picks and some cap relief next offseason. With the direction both franchises are heading,  this is a match made in heaven.