Should the Buccaneers Trade for Trent McDuffie?

So there are some interesting pieces being linked to the Buccaneers. Jeremy Fowler has recently reported that the Bucs might be a landing spot for KC All-Pro Trent McDuffie. While this kind of report can normally be taken with a grain of salt, keep in mind this is Fowler, who is mostly reliable for this kind of stuff. He reported that the Bucs wanted to move off either Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean after 2023. The Bucs then traded CD3 to Detroit. Does it make sense though?

Is More Better?

On paper, the Bucs are somewhat set at corner. They signed Zyon McCollum long term and also drafted two corners relatively high. However, it is possible Jamel Dean does not come back for the long-term. The Bucs would have to sign him again, and they may not want to do it, even despite the career year. I would be shocked if the Bucs cut their losses with McCollum so soon, but anything is possible. If the Bucs do end up losing both corner 1 and 2, the need for McDuffie becomes apparent to go next to Morrison. A strength of trading for McDuffie is that he hardly misses time, something this team desperately needs.

The fit may not be there. McDuffie does play outside corner, but he is arguably at his best when plays in the slot and outside more. And the Bucs are mostly set at nickel with Parrish and Tykee to rotate in. But let’s get weird with it. Parrish played outside corner in college and also occasionally for the Bucs. What if the Bucs just decided to kick him outside more and rotate him with Trent McDuffie? Keep offenses guessing.

Over Compensation?

At the end of the day, All-Pros don’t just grow on trees. The Bucs could make room for a talented corner, even if that isn’t the biggest need for them. The biggest problem is trade compensation and contract. Ironically, the easiest comp for this trade is probably what the Titans traded to KC for L’Jarius Sneed. They gave up a third round pick and swapped seventh rounders. That was before they signed him to an over $76 million deal. It didn’t quite work out for them, but this time I think it will. McDuffie is probably due to receive a contract that will place near, but not quite at the top of the cornerback market. It is a massive deal, and would be a stark contrast to how Licht has handled free agency before.

Despite me expressing at the beginner the reliability of Fowler, I’m not sure I see this one happening. Jason Licht just so rarely trades for players, so I’m not sure why he will change now. Especially when it’s not a need for the team. Unless of course the team cuts McCollum and lets Dean walk, then they need a huge boost. McDuffie would be a big name, but he wouldn’t improve the defense in a way that would justify the assets given up. The Bucs need pass rushers and LBs more than secondary pieces next year.