Grading every Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason move so far, including Carlton Davis trade

Carlton Davis traded to Detroit Lions

Grade: A

With reports surfacing that the Buccaneers were open to trading one of their starting cornerbacks in Davis III or Jamel Dean, a potential move early in free agency wouldn't be shocking. Ultimately, Tampa Bay opted to move on from Davis III, shipping the 27-year-old and sixth-round picks in 2024 and 2025 for the Lions' 2024 third-round pick.

During his four seasons as one of the Buccaneers' starting corners, Davis III compiled 324 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 73 pass breakups, and nine interceptions in 75 starts. Last offseason, the Buccaneers chose to resign Davis III to a three-year, $44.5 million contract, which expires in 2025.

By offloading his contract to Detroit, Tampa Bay saved $7.4 million in cap space, which allowed the Buccaneers to address their secondary with multiple free agent signing later, and add their now fourth top 100 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Losing a solid starting cornerback in his prime does sting, but the return and what the Buccaneers were able to do with the extra cap space makes the trade a major win for the present and future.

Greg Gaines, DT

Contract: One-year, $3.5M
Grade: B

Following four solid seasons in Los Angeles with combined marks of 122 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, Gaines declared for free agency in 2022. There, Gaines signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Tampa Bay, and went on to post 24 tackles, five quarterback hits, and one sacks in all 17 games as a reserve.

With that, Gaines decided to return to Tampa Bay for the upcoming 2024 season on another one-year deal with the Buccaneers. While Gaines' stats in 2023 were underwhelming, the 27-year old was used sparingly in a reserve role behind the Buccaneers' starters.

This season, Gaines will play a larger role on Tampa Bay's front seven, as defensive tackle William Gholston retired and outside rush linebacker Shaquil Barrett signed with Miami in free agency. As a result, Gaines will likely start alongside superstar defensive tackle Vita Vea on the defensive line on a low-risk, high reward contract.