The Buccaneers are likely not going to make a deep run in the playoffs this year, but a team with Tom Brady still needs to make moves to get better.
This is a very tough point for the Buccaneers. What is this team? What does it project to do? Can Tom Brady and the Bucs actually make a run at the Super Bowl?
One has to think that a team with Brady at the helm is always in contention, even with everything else going on to drag this team down, and for this reason it makes sense to assume Tampa will eye some trades before the deadline.
Tampa doesn’t have as many needs as some would think, but there are a few key areas that should cause the team to look at what they can get.
Target #1
Bradley Chubb
This target boils down to one question; how bad do the Bucs want to ensure they can compete in 2022?
Chubb is the best pass rusher that appears to be on the market for a trade. The compensation and subsequent contract are going to be brutal for Tampa to address, but again, if the desire is to win now, Chubb to replace Shaquil Barrett is probably the only way to save the defense in the short term.
I wouldn’t bank on this one happening, but it does make sense as the most ‘win-now’ move possible.
Target #2
Josh Allen
Allen is a cheaper version of Chubb that still brings something in the short term, but he is also a project piece for the future.
Allen has done well for the Jags and would help the Buccaneers opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, his value is decent, and the Bucs could find a great third guy for their rotation, but this move likely doesn’t move the needle as much as Chubb in year one.
This is a good move for a team that needs someone to replace Barrett, but almost any player is going to show that Barrett’s reps are almost impossible to replicate in a one for one situation.
Edge seems to be the biggest area to focus on. The guard play has been bad, but it seems like the Bucs will try to let it ride with what they have for now.
Running back has also been a popular point of discussion, but the players haven’t been the real issues with the struggles in the run game.
If a move happens, expect it to be for a pass-rusher.
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