The Tampa Bay Buccaneers like every NFL team is always looking to improve on their pass rush. Lots of interest is being paid the New York Jets. Not just in the realm of Aaron Rodgers but also because a dispute between the team and Haason Reddick. Specifically a contract dispute that has carried over from Philadelphia. The Buccaneers are in need of further pass rush support. So could a trade be a way for each team to alleviate each other of their problems.
The Issue
Currently Reddick is slated to earn $14 million this season but given his production he is trying to cash in on likely his best and last contract opportunity to do so. What that likely entails is a contract north of $20 million a year on average. Ultimately this has led him to hold out from Jets training camp. Now with the Jets staying firm on his pay Reddick is seeking a trade.
Down in Tampa the Buccaneers currently have a problem of their own. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (JTS) has not lived up to expectations and has shown little growth. After being selected 32nd overall in the 2021 draft the Buccaneers have still not seen a true impact fro his performance, having accumulated only 13 sacks over three seasons with 114 total tackles. The lack of faith from Todd Bowles in JTS also shows through in his snap count in 2023. In on only 51% of defensive snaps, JTS played even less than he did the previous season. Down from 75% in 2022. Adding fuel to the fire JTS was taken out of starting rotation in week eleven.
Cap Space
As of right now the Buccaneers only have around $20 million in cap space according to Spotrac. Not necessarily enough to add Reddick given what he is likely demanding. But moves can be made to spread some money out from current players on the roster. Simply convert some salary to a prorated bonus, without adding void years ideally, and they should have room. For example the front office could convert Jamel Dean’s salary to bonus, spreading it out, and drop his cap hit from %14.6 million to $7 million (no void years). If they add a void year (I am not a fan of void years) to this conversion they could drop it to a $6 million cap total, creating $8 million in space.
The Trade
Adding a vet player like Reddick would provide an immediate boost to the pass rush and create havoc across the defensive front for opposing teams. Imagine adding almost the same amount of sacks JTS has had in three years to just one season. Especially with the emergence of Yaya Diaby and Calijah Kancey, two player who look to only get better.
Now the Jets have an issue at hand with a hold out. So Alex Kay at Bleacher Report suggests a fourth round pick for the Buccaneers to acquire Reddick in “Brand-New Landing Spots for NFL’s Top 2024 Trade Targets” posted August 13th 2024. But I would tweak this just a bit. I would offer JTS and a fifth.
New York still needs to address their pass rush, and the fact they are playing in a 4-3 I feel JTS could excel. The attributes he has displayed here feel better suited for a 4-3 at this point. Especially if he plays standing up and not with his hand in the dirt. Plus a change of scenery may help the defensive end/outside linebacker. He would take over Reddick’s role and would be better than the other option of Michael Clemons starting for the Jets. Additionally, former first round pick Will McDonald IV looks more like a bust at this point unless the Jets see something I don’t.
Final Thought
Going back to the cap situation, sending JTS would free $3.5 million dollars, the Buccaneers could make the recommended move in cap space and then they would have room for Reddick with some room left over. The Jets get a former first rounder who is still young who needs a new start and lose a big headache. A win for the Jets, Buccaneers, Reddick, and JTS. But will the Jets view it that way?
So to answer the question about could and should the Buccaneers call New York, yes and yes. It makes sense for both sides and the Buccaneers could really use the boost.
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