Steelers, Buccaneers Connected In Massive Trade For Former First-Round Pick

Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is not a bad football player, but the Buccaneers could look to trade him in the final year of his contract. Selected with the 32nd-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Washington product entered the league as a raw product with a tremendous ceiling. So far, Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to translate his athletic gifts into on-field production. While his tape possesses moments of gold, the pass rusher has only recorded 13 sacks through three seasons and Tampa Bay recently declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

With Yaya Diaby establishing himself as a pass-rushing force, the Buccaneers could look to trade Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. At least, that’s what Bleacher Report believes. According to the major media outlet, the Pittsburgh Steelers could send a 2025 fifth-round pick to Tampa Bay in exchange for the unpolished pass rusher.

Steelers Urged to Trade For Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

Needless to say, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka will not challenge T.J. Watt for starting duties any time soon. However, while Pittsburgh has two great edge defenders in Watt and Alex Highsmith, they could use some more depth. Putting Tryon-Shoyinka in a limited role could bring out the best in the veteran, as he won’t need to worry about run defense and could focus solely on getting after the quarterback. Pittsburgh’s offense should improve with Russell Wilson replacing Kenny Pickett, but this team will still need to win games with offense.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, should be more than willing to trade Joe Tryon-Shoyinka for a fifth-round pick. Even though Tryon-Shoyinka’s absence will impact their edge depth, Diaby is capable of being a star and Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey are more than capable of collapsing the pocket from the inside. Additionally, the Buccaneers have $8.5 million in cap space and could clear $2.1 million by trading him after June 1st.

Of course, the Steelers won’t be the only teams interested in a Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade. There is no such thing as too many reliable pass rushers, and these four organizations could risk a late-round pick to see if they can unlock Tryon-Shoyinka’s potential.

Other Potential Destinations

Detroit Lions

After coming one or two plays away from making the Super Bowl, the Lions are running it back for 2024. Ben Johnson, Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown ensure that the offense will once again be one of the best in football, and Detroit spent the offseason improving the secondary. While the unit is notably better on paper, Detroit could still use another pass rusher. Aidan Hutchinson is amazing and Marcus Davenport is a fine starter, but this team could benefit from a Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade. Dan Campbell knows defense and might be able to unlock this athletically gifted player.

Carolina Panthers

The Buccaneers wouldn’t trade Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to the Falcons or Saints, but since the Panthers aren’t competing for the division, they might be willing to send him here. Carolina lost Brian Burns to the New York Giants and signed short-term free agents Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum to start in 2024. While both players are adequate veterans, they could use a younger player like Tryon-Shoyinka who might have a brighter future. Dave Canales should know what he brings to the table from his time with the Buccaneers.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens lost several key free agents this offseason and must find cost-effective replacements for pennies on the dollar. While third-round pick Adisa Isaac offers intriguing potential, this team should still consider a Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade. Baltimore has aging veterans in Kyle Van Noy and high-upside players in Odafe Oweh but lack much in terms of consistent play. With that in mind, their best option could be taking another dart throw in Tryon-Shoyinka and hoping they get lucky with one of their younger players.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have an all-world defensive tackle in Chris Jones and an above-average starter in George Karlaftis. However, you need three relaible pass rushers in today’s NFL, so Kansas City could use another body. 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah didn’t do much of anything as a rookie, and a Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade could provide some insurance in case the Kansas State product can’t make the Year 2 leap.