Buccaneers: 3 moves to greatly improve the roster today
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers trade Cameron Brate
Cameron Brate was an invaluable part of the postseason success for the Bucs, and the idea of trading does not come lightly. Brate has been a consistent part of the offense for several years and across various situations, but his time has finally come.
Rob Gronkowski has emerged as the TE1 in Tampa. Gronk is a better blocker and receiver than Brate, and there is almost no excuse for Brate to be on the field over Gronk at any point.
In addition to Gronk, the often-injured O.J. Howard is also looking to build upon his impressive start to the 2020 campaign. Howard’s injuries are the best selling point for keeping Brate, but the Bucs can’t afford to pay him so much as the backup tight end.
The Buccaneers need a cheaper backup, especially considering how little they use three tight end sets that require Brate. Howard and Gronk are good blockers already. If the Bucs need another blocking-oriented player in that formation, they used guys like Joe Haeg in 2020, but they also could have Antony Auclair to rely on as well.
Tampa Bay will probably want to find a cheaper tight end in the draft or free agency, but Brate is just too expensive in his current role for what the Buccaneers need. The money can be better spent in other areas, and the Bucs may even be able to recoup a draft pick or two in a trade.