TAMPA, Fla. ― Tom Brady’s likely final season with the Bucs and perhaps his last in the NFL is on the verge of turning into an embarrassing exit for arguably the greatest football player of all time.
Sending the player who brought so much relevance and success to the franchise out a winner will mean exhausting resources to improve the club before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Bucs (3-5) still are not eliminated from an underwhelming NFC South race, but changes need to be made in scheme and personnel. A sub-.500 record may win the division the way it did in 2014, when the Panthers went 7-8-1 to take the title.
Any discussion about the Bucs and a possible trade must begin at the outside linebacker/edge rusher position after the season-ending torn Achilles suffered by Shaquil Barrett in Thursday night’s loss to the Ravens.
Barrett was having a monster game with four tackles, three for loss, a sack and a quarterback hit before leaving early in the third quarter. Unfortunately, it will be nine months before Barrett can even begin to attempt some football activities, which takes us to the start of training camp in July.
He will be 30 next month, and his 2023 salary is not guaranteed. Regardless of Barrett’s future, the Bucs have a big hole to fill at outside linebacker and few options currently on their roster.
Upgrades on the offensive line and at the tight end and wide receiver positions also are needed.
Here’s a look at some possibilities for the Bucs to explore, knowing it takes both parties to agree to a deal.
Bradley Chubb, OLB, Denver Broncos
The Broncos reportedly have received inquiries from several teams interested in trading for Chubb, the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft.
After Sunday’s game against the Jaguars, Chubb had 5-1/2 sacks. The Broncos don’t want to deal him, but they reportedly have received an offer from one team willing to trade a first-round pick, plus other compensation.
The problem is that Chubb is in the final year of his rookie contract, so any trade likely would be contingent on the new team reaching a long-term agreement on a new deal in excess of $20 million annually. The Bucs have just shy of $4 million in salary-cap space, according to Overthecap.com, so something would need to be done to create more.
A year ago, the Rams sent second- and third-round picks to the Broncos for Von Miller, and that trade may have been what put them over the top to become Super Bowl champions. Chubb is that kind of transformative player.
Without Barrett, the Bucs don’t have a suitable replacement between Anthony Nelson and Carl Nassib, who nonetheless have combined for four sacks this season.
But are the Bucs willing to part with a first-round pick and more knowing that if things continue this way, they may need the pick to address the quarterback position and more?
Josh Allen, OLB, Jaguars
Allen remains an integral piece of the Jaguars success. The seventh overall pick of the 2019 draft would be due only $10.89 million on his fifth-year option in 2023, making him a bargain. But it would be harder for Jacksonville to replace Allen than to just keep him.
Brian Burns, DE, Panthers
The Panthers reportedly turned down an offer of two premium picks for Burns, who is under contract for 2023. Carolina was in sell-off mode two weeks ago. when it dealt running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers and receiver Robbie Anderson to the Cardinals. But the Panthers are back in the playoff picture, and it seems unlikely they would trade Burns to another NFC South team.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Lions
The Lions are on track for another top-five pick, and although they show no interest in trading Hockenson, some more draft capital can be acquired. Rob Gronkowski isn’t walking through the door at One Buc Place. Rookie Cade Otton is improving, but Brady needs a reliable tight end as a blocker and pass-catcher. However, it seems unlikely the Bucs would part with a first-round pick for Hockenson.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Broncos
Among the reasons the Bucs may address the tight end position is that Cameron Brate still is out with a neck strain. Okwuegbunam, who has seven catches for 50 yards, has been inactive for the past three games. He wouldn’t cost much, but he would not be an upgrade from Otton.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins
The Bucs got a look at Gesicki during joint workouts, and he was a problem for their defense in the red zone. He’s an underutilized pass catcher in Mike McDaniel’s offense despite 21 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns, and would be an instant upgrade.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
There’s no guarantee Julio Jones (knee) will be healthy enough to contribute much. The Bucs need a quick-twitch, speedy receiver. Jeudy has two years remaining on his rookie contract and was off to a good start this year, with 30 catches for 449 yards and three touchdowns.
-------
