Trade targets that are tied to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers need to find a quarterback to follow Tom Brady. Brady is currently playing at an exceptional level, but Tampa Bay does need to prepare for a future without their current franchise quarterback.
Sam Darnold and the New York Jets are facing a messy divorce in the near future, and the Buccaneers should play this situation to their advantage.
The Buccaneers could use their draft picks to take a chance on a quarterback in the draft that may pan out or use a draft pick to trade for a proven entity. Darnold hasn’t experienced a luxurious career in New York, but he has shown a clear upside that could further develop with the right team.
If the Jets maintain possession of the number one pick going into the draft, they would have no choice but to release Darnold to bring in Trevor Lawrence, so they will need to act before the deadline.
Potential trade
Buccaneers receive: Sam Darnold
Jets receive: Buccaneers 2021 second-round pick and Buccaneers 2022 third-round pick
The odds: Medium
This deal is not out of the question for the Buccaneers. Blaine Gabbert is not a long-term solution for the Bucs at quarterback, and they will need to find a replacement sooner than later. Darnold is a better option than anyone that would be available in the draft, so the means are there for the Buccaneers.
The one wrench in the plan for this trade is Josh Rosen. Tampa Bay already has Rosen on their practice squad, and he is a cheaper option for the Buccaneers to evaluate for the future that showed a similar upside to Darnold.