Why the Buccaneers should add wide receiver John Ross
By Rob Leeds
John Ross has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Buccaneers could be one of the teams that make a play for the speedy receiver.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already have one of the better wide receiver rooms in the NFL, there is no harm in improving that unit with one of the most physically talented wide receivers in the league. John Ross wouldn’t be a game-changer for the Bucs, but he would improve the depth.
After an injury-riddled career and a slow start to the 2020 NFL season, Ross requesting a trade comes as little surprise to those who followed the progressing rebuild in Cincinnati. Ross doesn’t have great chemistry with franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, and the Bengals will be grateful to get any return on their initial investment.
If the Le’Veon Bell scenario was any indication, players who request a trade are often unable to bring much as a trade piece. Bell requested a trade, the Jets tried to find a partner, and the former All-Pro garnered little interest. Every team knew the Jets would have to release Bell, and he was much cheaper as a free agent.
Instead of waiting that long, the Buccaneers could offer a minimal trade (like a fifth or seventh-round pick) to guarantee a shot to evaluate Ross without allowing the talented receiver to sign with better teams like the Chiefs or Patriots (please no). Tampa Bay can also hope that he signs with them as a free agent. Either way, there could be a fit.