At 5-1, following impressive victories over NFC contenders like the 49ers and Seahawks, the Bucs are positioning themselves as serious threats for the conference championship and a potential Super Bowl run. However, a significant concern remains: the need for a top-tier edge rusher. Isn’t it time to address this?
As we approached our championship seasons in 2002 and 2020, we built through the draft and developed young talent. Yet, when it was time to make that final push, we bolstered our roster with strategic free-agent signings and trades.
A team’s championship window opens through effective drafting, smart personnel decisions, and a bit of luck, but that window isn’t guaranteed to stay open from year to year.
Key players retire or get injured, coaches can be lured away, and performance levels can vary. This current team has established a strong foundation, thanks to the leadership of Jason Licht and Todd Bowles, who bring stability and character. However, continued success is never a given.
Now might be the perfect moment to secure that edge rusher who could elevate our defense. Consider two premier options currently playing for teams with uncertain futures early in the season: Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. Both would represent significant upgrades for our defense, and their teams might be open to trading for future assets.
Yaya Diaby has shown promise as a hardworking, run-stopping complement, reminiscent of Greg Spires, who played alongside Simeon Rice in 2002. While he’s solid, his pass rush win rate doesn’t match that of elite pass rushers. He’s a valuable player, but not someone who keeps opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators up at night.
As for free agent signee Haason Reddick, he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. He’s not bad and will likely contribute a handful of sacks this season, but he isn’t the game-changer we hoped for at this stage of his career.
For the past three years, I’ve argued that our lack of edge talent could be our downfall in the playoffs, and it’s hard to deny that this has been a significant factor. Championship teams have rushers who can consistently pressure the quarterback, even if they don’t always get the sack. They disrupt plays, force errant passes, and create opportunities for others—all without needing to send multiple defenders on the rush.
So, who on our roster currently fits that bill? Wouldn’t it be worth giving up a few draft picks to land that type of player? If this team is as legitimate as they appear, why not make that “checkmate” move?
I'm always game to bring in game changers especially guys that can help us win right now. But, I just don't see Jason Licht pulling the trigger since he has done so well in recent drafts. He's made modest moves like trade for JPP for a third but we've yet to see him pull the trigger on anything more than that. Crosby would be my guy to go after but it just doesn't seem like a realistic idea considering his asking price. Now if Raiders say 2nd or 3rd, I'm sure Licht would jump all over that.
@detrimental - you’re not wrong. But the one area that Licht and Bowles have had no success drafting is edge. Blitzing the likes of Stafford, Goff, Mahomes, just isn’t going to get the job done.
I go back and forth but maybe Yaya builds on this game. I'd love him as a third end. He's ok as a second but hell... Prove me wrong
I wouldn’t mind investing a 3rd rounder in Hendrickson. Don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely love Maxx Crosby, but that price is really high and the organization thinks they found their edge of the future in David Walker.
For that reason, Hendrickson looks more appealing.
However, acknowledging the reflection of the OP, I think we could get by with our current d line, if we had a least one stud ILB. Maybe that’s the play?
Woukdnt have a problem with an edge for the right price, but also wouldn’t hate a pass coverage ILB, either.
Depends on what "a few" is. The Bucs last first round pick was Egbuka. The one before that was Barton. There have also been a few picks that have not hit the bullseye. The problem as I said in another thread is that Baker's contract extension is going up by the minute. That means to stay under the cap they have to hit on those draft picks so they can have starters on their rookie contracts.Wouldn’t it be worth giving up a few draft picks to land that type of player? If this team is as legitimate as they appear, why not make that “checkmate” move?
Its a double whammy. 1) You are putting significant cap space for the high priced player when you still have to extend Baker, and 2) You give up the picks so you don't have affordable starters coming in. Licht took his shot with Reddick. We have to roll with it. Seems like we did pretty well with the pressure last week.
We need a linebacker! That's what I'd trade for. A 4th or 5th round pick for a legit linebacker. Doesn't have to be an All pro.
f this team is as legitimate as they appear, why not make that “checkmate” move?
not sure they are that legitimate and Licht has done pretty well with the picks he'd have to give up
@bucsbits - if we’re not legitimate contenders now, what do we change to be more legitimate? We are what we are, and what we’re going to be for the next few years. If we’re not contenders, then this team probably won’t get to that point. When healthy, we have the QB, RBs, WRs, Oline, DL, and DBs we’re going to ride with for the next few years. I don’t think we’re too far off. But an edge definitely makes a huge difference for any hopeful championship teams.
Wouldn’t it be worth giving up a few draft picks to land that type of player? If this team is as legitimate as they appear, why not make that “checkmate” move?
First and foremost, good writeup.
IMO, this team has a legitimate SB offense and a middle-of-road defense.
Not sure if one guy is a "checkmate" move.
If you were to look at Yaya, Reddick, Trey, and Maxx; their sacks/hurries/QB hits are all pretty similar (Reddick being the worst of the 4).
Not saying that Maxx or Trey aren't upgrades, just looking at it from both sides.
And, again, there's the schematic view of things.
Will Todd utilize them to the best of their abilities?
I mean, Reddick will have more pass coverage snaps by the BYE week than Maxx has had in his 7 seasons combined.
Considering the build of this team (while keeping an eye on the future), if I were to make a splash play, it would be for Trey.
