The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no strangers to adversity, especially when it comes to their defense. Last season, they were hit hard by injuries, and now, as the 2025 season approaches, they find themselves facing similar challenges. In fact, heading into Week 2 of the preseason, the Buccaneers have a staggering seven members of their secondary on the injury report. This has left the team in desperate need of help in their defensive backfield, and many are urging them to make a move before the start of the season.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently suggested that the Buccaneers should explore a trade for one of their veteran players, who he deems “expendable.” This player is none other than the 33-year-old cornerback, Carlton Davis. Davis is currently in the fourth year of his five-year, $52 million contract with the Buccaneers. While he has been a reliable starter for the team, Kay argues that it may be time for the Buccaneers to part ways with Davis in order to address their pressing needs in the secondary.
The suggestion to trade Davis may come as a surprise to many, as he has been a key piece of the Buccaneers’ defense since he was drafted in 2022. However, Kay points out that Davis is currently the highest-paid cornerback on the team, and with the Buccaneers already strapped for cap space, he may be an easy target to unload. Additionally, with the emergence of younger and cheaper options in the secondary, such as rookie Jordan Young, Davis may no longer be seen as essential to the team’s success.
But beyond the financial implications, there are also concerns about Davis’ recent injury history. Last season, he missed four games due to a quad injury, and now he finds himself once again dealing with a nagging injury. This raises questions about his durability and reliability, especially as he enters the latter part of his career.
Considering all of these factors, Kay argues that now is the perfect time for the Buccaneers to explore a trade for Davis. He believes that there are plenty of teams in need of a veteran cornerback like Davis, and the Buccaneers could potentially get a good return for him. This could come in the form of draft picks or even a player who can contribute immediately on defense.
Of course, trading away one of their key players is never an easy decision for any team. But when it comes to the Buccaneers’ defense, they simply cannot afford to wait and hope that their injured players will heal in time for the regular season. As Kay puts it, “the time for action is now.”
Thankfully, the Buccaneers have a strong front office led by general manager Jason Licht, who is known for making shrewd moves to improve the team. In fact, he has already proven his ability to make bold trades by bringing in players like Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown, both of whom were instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl victory last season. With his expertise and experience, the Buccaneers should have no problem finding a suitable trade partner for Davis.
In conclusion, the Buccaneers’ defense once again finds itself in a tough spot as injuries continue to plague the team. In order to address their pressing needs in the secondary, the team is being urged to explore a trade for Carlton Davis, who is seen as “expendable” by many. While it may be a difficult decision, it could ultimately benefit the team in the long run and help them defend their Super Bowl title. With the right moves and a little luck, the Buccaneers can overcome this challenge and continue their success on the field.