Following their Monday Night Football loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in a world of hurt -- quite literally speaking.
The Bucs saw their top two wide receivers leave the game due to injury, with Mike Evans heading to the locker room in the first half and not returning while Chris Godwin would go down late in the game.
Godwin's injury, in particular, was gruesome enough to think the Bucs will have to go out and find some help at the position.
Leaving Baker Mayfield without Evans and Godwin for who knows how long, the Bucs now have just a couple of weeks or so to get a trade done if they so desired. Prior to the November 5 deadline, Tampa Bay certainly has options.
One tantalizing trade candidate is someone offensive coordinator Liam Coen is familiar wiith in Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. On Tuesday, The Athletic's Dianna Russini confirmed that the Rams are indeed looking to move Kupp and even specified that they'd be willing to eat some of Kupp's salary in order to do so.
Naturally, Bucs fans immediately jump to the conclusion that Tampa Bay has to go out and make this trade. However, Bucs beat reporter Greg Auman (who has been covering the team over a decade, now) doesn't see that happening.
Lots of questions about Bucs and trading for Cooper Kupp. He has a history with Liam Coen, and that helps. Rams are asking a lot, and my guess is that other WR-needy teams might be willing to pay more than Tampa Bay. Licht doesn't part with his high draft picks lightly.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 22, 2024
The Bucs are more likely to target a cheaper wide receiver option to replace Chris Godwin
After shooting down the idea of a Kupp trade for the Bucs, Auman went on to note what he believes the Bucs are more likely to do:
"I can see the Bucs trading for a veteran, but more a late-round pick type of deal. There are several available, so it's finding the right fit at the right price. I'd be surprised if they give up a significant pick for short-term help."
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If it isn't Kupp coming in and replacing Godwin, then who might it be?
There are still a few other logical options on the trade market, right now, even after the likes of Davante Adams and Amari Cooper were dealt. The Bucs could look to a division rival like the Carolina Panthers and see if they'd be willing to part with Diontae Johnson, who is a free agent after this year.
If not Johnson, maybe looking at a cheaper option like Mike Williams of the New York Jets or Darius Slayton of the New York Giants makes sense.
And, if the Bucs wanted a big name on the cheap, they could go after DeAndre Hopkins and see what he has left in the tank.
Whether it's one of the above names or not, one thing seems likely at least according to Auman, and that's the idea that the Bucs will not be in on trading for Kupp.