Trade targets that are tied to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
Stephon Gilmore is one of the most outlandish trades tied to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers already have a talented pool of defensive backs, but no one could deny that Gilmore would be an immediate improvement.
The Buccaneers have struggled at times in their secondary this season, specifically Sean Murphy-Bunting. SMB had a great rookie season, but he has taken a step back in coverage so far this season. His ceiling is still very high, but the Bucs could use an improvement at starting corner for now.
Tampa Bay does have Jamel Dean also, but it is hard to make a case that anyone on the roster, other than Carlton Davis, is better than Gilmore in man coverage. Davis and Gilmore would be the best man coverage duo in the NFL by a wide margin, and taking steps like this would better prepare the Buccaneers for the pass-heavy attacks they will face in the playoffs.
Potential trade
Buccaneers receive: Stephon Gilmore
Patriots receive: Cameron Brate and 2021 third-round pick
The odds: Extremely low
Gilmore would be an unbelievable acquisition for the Buccaneers. The dominant defense would become even better, but Bucs fans shouldn’t hold their breath on this deal.
The Patriots may have to reload slightly, but trading the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is not the move they need to make right now. In addition to a lack of need for the Patriots, the Buccaneers like their young corners, and bringing in a veteran to replace them could stifle growth substantially.