Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 trade targets after opening week of free agency

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 17: Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sits on the bench in the final moments of the New England Patriots 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 17: Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sits on the bench in the final moments of the New England Patriots 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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After having their replacements acquired in the first week of free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should target three players still on their rookie deals.

Free agency has changed the landscape of the NFL, and after landing superstar players, some teams are ready to shop the players on their roster existing in those positions prior to the offseason. With limited resources, seeking out upgrades on the trade market is looking like the cheaper option for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than attempting to add talent in free agency.

With limited draft assets as well, the Bucs must utilize some saavy trade maneuvers in order to improve the roster as well as not cash out all of their draft picks. However, with the ability to dip into their 2020 assets as well, Tampa Bay should be okay to move around their picks as long as they do not burn a hole in their future; besides, Jason Licht has not really hit on many of his draft picks anyway.

Without the funds to sign free agents to big deals, it would be in Tampa Bay’s best interest to make a move for players still on their rookie deals. On the outside looking in after having players signed at their positions, three players have been identified as potential trade targets for the Buccaneers, and should not cost extremely valuable assets to acquire.

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