_“I could trade for Bradley Chubb, Mr. Glazer. I just don’t know if we need another coverage linebacker that badly.”_
Don’t do it!
That’s the message from Dan Pompei of _The Athletic_. The long-time NFL scribe is begging Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht not to do it.
And despite the Sage of Tampa Bay sports, Ira Kaufman, pleading with Licht to get an edge rusher in a trade as the NFL trade deadline is in 12 days, Pompei says ignore the urge totrade for a receiver or a linebacker or an edge rusher, Licht should hold his cards.
The way Licht drafts, Pompei reasons, a fifth-round draft pick [is more valuable](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6735182/2025/10/22/nfl-trade-deadline-2025-buyers-sellers/) to the Bucs than a three-month rental.
> **Tampa Bay Buccaneers:** Stand pat
>
> Barring the unlikely availability of a pass rusher — interior or edge — who could impact the defense without requiring too much compensation, the Bucs should stand pat. There are three reasons. One, they have shown that the players already on the team can compete with the best in the NFC. Yes, they lost to the Lions, but they have wins against the Seahawks and 49ers. Two, they await reinforcements as Chris Godwin, Luke Goedeke, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving and maybe even Mike Evans are expected back from injuries at some point. And three, draft picks are worth more to the Bucs than other teams because general manager Jason Licht uses them so well. This team probably would be better served using picks in the draft than in trades.
Pompei makes a compelling argument. Licht’s draft picks quickly turn into productive starters. So in a roundabout way, a team trading the Bucs a rental could actually be fleecing Licht in the long run, if Licht trades a pick(s) rather than a player.
It boils down to whether Licht thinks his Super Bowl window closes after this year? Joe has zero intel on Lavonte David but you have to think this may well be it for the 35-year-old warhorse.
Evans? He’s in a contract year. Who knows if the 32-year old wants to return in 2025?
And a lot of players will need to be paid soon. They’ll likely include YaYa Diaby, Calijah Kancey, Cade Otton… and yes, Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield’s salary eventually will take a massive bite out of the available cap space. As a result, this Bucs roster may look far different in 2027 than it does now.