With draft speculation in full swing, the idea that the Buccaneers trade out of the first round has been gaining some traction. Jason Licht and his staff may view this as a disadvantage to what they are trying to accomplish and build. With the team’s current situation and returning players, there are a few reasons to stay at No. 32.
The first-round benefit
The first round comes with a key benefit. No, it’s not just the talent available or the flexibility to choose from multiple players, it’s the fifth-year option. All players selected in the first round of the draft have a fifth-year option attached to their contract. This option allows for a team to retain talented or up-and-coming players they drafted without negotiation. Also, this leaves teams in good position for one additional year of play at a “discounted” price for their investment in a player. It aids in cap space and allows a team to hang on to an instrumental player.
The Buccaneers’ situation
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it serves an even bigger purpose this offseason. Jason Licht has brought back all 22 starters. which is something that is extremely hard to accomplish. The starting lineup is filled with game-changers and solid players who all contributed to the team’s success last season. They have all proven themselves worthy, evidenced by their presence or return to the roster.
Depending on who and what position is selected, it will be hard for a rookie to break the starting lineup. The established players and previous draft picks will ultimately take the pressure off the draftee to make the starting 22 by Week 1, while other teams will likely expect their first-round picks to have an immediate impact. That’s not to say the first-round selection can’t break out and start, it’s just a tall task for whomever it may be with the Bucs’ current roster structure. This will likely leave a first-round talent on the sideline, as a rotational player. They’ll learn and grow, but probably won’t contribute in a large fashion.
The fifth-year option alleviates an issue with the Bucs’ current situation. The longer retention period allows for the team to keep key players who can be the nucleus of future, competitive winning Tampa seasons. Remember, the assumption is the selected individual will see marginal time on the field in 2021. If the Buccaneers trade back, and keeping with the playing time assumption, the team now only has three years with a player (after 2021) before they hit free agency.
The Buccaneers will lose some ability to build in the post-Tom Brady era if they trade back.
What does it mean if the Buccaneers trade back in the first round?
Lastly, trading back brings with it the acquisition of more draft picks. In the case for the Buccaneers, they don’t need to gain more draft capital unless they plan on using it to move into the early part of the other rounds. As we said earlier, the Buccaneers have a robust amount of players on the roster. Though more competition would provide for the team to improve their depth, there is little room to keep a large amount of excess players. Fortunately, the practice squads were extended to 16 players, but we don’t know if that will be the case in 2021. It may go back down to 12 players. Plus, you still have to worry about other teams swooping in and grabbing your guys.
Final Thought
Utilizing the current draft selections, the Buccaneers should maintain their first-round selection. Or even trade up further into the first round. They can select a player they determine to be a key individual to replace someone who will likely not be on the roster in 2022. Furthermore, they should use some late-round picks to trade for more picks on Day 2 talent. These players will be able to let the team maintain depth, provide insurance for injury, and form the foundation of a new regime in the future.
