NFL Trade Deadline: Buccaneers trade and free agent needs
By Rob Leeds
Third-down running back
The first significant need for the Buccaneers is a consistent third-down running back. LeSean McCoy has shown his age this season, and his production in his current role has fallen flat. The Bucs need a sure-handed option to pair with Tom Brady that has a higher ceiling than McCoy.
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Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn have been mediocre in similar situations and don’t seem like the options that would be the best fit. Tampa Bay practically needs a receiver in this role to ensure passes are caught at a high rate, and the Bucs may need to make a move to address this soon.
Trading for a back like this will be difficult. Very few teams would want to part with a consistent pass-catcher out of the backfield, so the Buccaneers would be better off signing a free agent.
Perhaps letting Dare Ogunbowale walk wasn’t the best decision after all.
There are several decent free agent backs that could be an improvement in the third-down role and would come to Tampa Bay on a cheap contract. Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell are two options that would be cheap and also have a high upside.
Crowell is the better option as a complete back, and being 27 years old is another plus for Crowell’s chances. Injuries may have hurt Crowell’s hopes of playing with the Raiders, but he could be a perfect fit for the Bucs.