The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unlikely to make a blockbuster deal ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but if they're serious about contending this season, Jason Licht should pick up the phone and call the Dallas Cowboys about wide receiver George Pickens.
Despite their lousy 3-6 record, the Buccaneers are still the best team in the NFC South and the favorites to win the division. Tampa Bay has the NFL’s No. 1 rush offense and defense, while leading the league in takeaways. That combination makes them a team capable of doing real damage in the postseason.
But there’s one glaring weakness holding them back: Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ passing offense have been an utter disaster, ranking dead last in the NFL through nine games. Poor quarterback play has contributed to those struggles, but the lack of a true WR1 is what's really holding Tampa Bay’s offense back. Acquiring Pickens could give Mayfield and the passing game a major boost and turn the Buccaneers into legitimate contenders.
Buccaneers trading for George Pickens would give Baker Mayfield the No. 1 receiver he desperately needs
So far this season, Pickens has recorded 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay got a first-hand look at the talented receiver in Week 5, when Pickens torched the Bucs for 9 catches, 130 yards and a touchdown. It was the most productive performance by any receiver against Tampa Bay this season.
Despite missing one game due to injury, Pickens has more receptions and receiving yards than any receiver on Tampa Bay’s roster by a significant margin. The Buccaneers’ wide receiver room as a whole has been incredibly underwhelming.
Emeka Egbuka is currently Tampa Bay’s top receiver, but his 278 receiving yards on the season rank 80th in the NFL. He’s currently averaging just four catches for 40 yards per game.
Chris Godwin has been a shell of his former self, totaling just 29 catches and 259 yards this season. That’s an average of three catches for 29 yards per game.
Tez Johnson has been the team’s best big-play threat, but he hasn’t had more than two catches in a game this season. He’s capable of providing a spark with an explosive play, but he hasn’t established himself as a consistent contributor.
Rookie Ted Hurst was considered the team’s best option to step into the X wide receiver role, but he’s had a disappointing rookie season and has a long way to go before being counted on as a No. 1 receiver.
Meanwhile, Jalen McMillan is on injured reserve with no timetable for his return.
The Buccaneers desperately need help in the passing game. What Tampa Bay needs is a true X receiver that could threaten defenses downfield and in the red zone, while offering a wide catch radius and contested-catch ability. Mayfield needs the security blanket and bailout option he’s desperately missing after the departure of Mike Evans.
There’s truly no replacing a player of Evans’ caliber, but Pickens could step into that role and immediately become the best receiver on the Buccaneers’ roster.
Considering Pickens is playing on the franchise tag and would need a new contract after the season, the Cowboys could be willing to trade him for a Day 2 draft pick.
The Buccaneers have a decision to make. Are they satisfied with winning the NFC South only to lose in the first round of the playoffs? Or do they want to fully capitalize on their elite defense and running game by going all-in to give this team the missing piece it needs to truly go on a run.
Jason Licht has never made an in-season trade, and it would admittedly be uncharacteristic to suddenly make a move of this caliber. But Pickens is the type of player who could elevate Mayfield and this entire offense, potentially changing the trajectory of this season for the Buccaneers.
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