The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a difficult situation. Start linebacker Devin White has asked to be traded as the Bucs haven’t given him the big payday he’s looking for. This leaves some question marks with his long term future with the team.
However, the Bucs general manager Jason Licht has made it clear that the team is not planning to move on from White. He is a valuable part of the defense and still has great untapped potential. This makes him a valuable part of the Buccaneers future.
That said, it is likely that Licht and the front office would consider making a trade if the price was right. Then they wouldn’t have to give out the massive contract that White wants and they could get value in return before he becomes a free agent. This could be a win/win scenario.
What teams would consider making this type of move? Certainly there would be interest league wide. I took the time to consider who the top three trade partners could be if the Buccaneers would be willing to consider offers.
3) Houston Texans
The Texans have a new head coach and are looking to establish a new culture. DeMeco Ryans was a pro bowl linebacker with the Texans back in his playing days. Now he could have the opportunity to acquire another one and give the defense a semblance of identity.
The compensation could work out well for both parties in this case. Houston has a pair of first round picks as well as a pair of third round picks. With this extra draft capitol, they might consider parting with a pick in exchange for a star player like White.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that has been historically built of defense and toughness. They also have a particularly deep history with having great linebacker play. After letting linebacker Devin Bush, the 2019 10th overall pick, walk away in free agency the team is still looking for answers in the middle of their defense.
Trading for White to play alongside the likes of T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick could put this Steelers defense over the top. He brings the blitzing ability and sideline to sideline speed that this coaching staff will love. They also have two second round picks, so that gives them some flexibility in the trade market. This feels like a very natural pairing.
1) Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise and are looking to win their first playoff game since 1991. While it looks like they will have the offense to do that this season, the defense is still full of holes. They need an infusion of talent and leadership on the defensive side of the ball if they want to win that elusive playoff game or even make a run to the Super Bowl.
White would give the Lions an element of speed that they are lacking on the second level. He can also help improve their pass rush for a team that was one of the most blitz heavy in the league last season. Head coach Dan Campbell got to see this speed and playmaking ability first hand while with the Saints.
The Lions have two first round picks and two second round picks due to the Matthew Stafford and T.J. Hockenson trades. Trading one of those picks away for a guy who has helped lead his team to the mountaintop is a small price to pay. Especially considering that the Lions have the cap space to sign White long term and make him the face of their franchise.
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