While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't make any trades before the deadline on Tuesday, the team still made a move.
The Bucs signed quarterback John Wolford off the practice squad, officially making him part of the 53-man roster for the rest of the season. It might seem like a minor move, but it was prompted by teams around the league starting to circle like sharks around Tampa Bay's practice squad roster.
Wolford was offered a deal from the Los Angeles Rams, which is what reportedly motivated the Bucs to offer him a deal as well. He agreed to stay in Tampa Bay, which is a testament to the coaching staff since going back to L.A. would have reunited him with Sean McVay.
It turns out Wolford was a hotter commodity than that initial report made it seem.
'Multiple' teams tried to sign John Wolford away from Buccaneers
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, 'multiple' teams were battling it out to try and convince Wolford to leave the Bucs and come join their quarterback room. One of those teams Minnesota Vikings, as Wolford appears to have been Plan A in finding a replacement for Kirk Cousins.
Multiple teams like the Rams and Minnesota have shown interest in QB John Wolford but the Buccaneers gave him a promotion. They are activating him off their practice squad to their 53-man roster, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 31, 2023
Cousins suffered a season-ending injury in Week 8's win over the Packers, and the question became who the Vikings might be able to target in order to keep their season on track. One phony rumor suggested another quarterback with Buccaneers ties might be an option -- Jameis WInston -- but that was the latest in a new trend of fake rumors to go viral on social media.
Interest in Wolford was not only real but it made sense. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was with Wolford back in Los Angeles so their ties run deep. Minnesota also has a pretty great recent history of unsuspecting backup quarterbacks stepping in to lead the team on miracle seasons.
Case Keenum, anyone?
Instead, Wolford will remain in Tampa Bay and there's a chance we see him in action in the near future. Baker Mayfield is dealing with a knee injury that is both mysterious and not going away. If he misses time, it might end up that Kyle Trask gets leap-frogged by Wolford, who has shown in the past with the Rams that he can come in and get the job done.