The 2020 NFL season is still a few months away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead. With the 2019 NFL draft and free agency in mind, here are three potential trade candidates entering the 2021 training camp.
The draft wire 2022 mock draft is a potential trade candidate entering 2021 training camp.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the defending Super Bowl winners and have returned every starter from that squad. They have Tom Brady as quarterback, and their squad is clearly stacked. Even if it doesn’t seem like things can get much better, Tampa Bay can make some changes. This is the NFL, after all, and no roster is flawless. It isn’t enough to just keep a team together. It must be enhanced at all times in order to have the greatest chance of winning.
The Buccaneers’ starting lineup doesn’t have any flaws, but their depth isn’t as excellent as everyone believes. Many seasons have been ruined by injuries, and the Buccaneers may be next if they aren’t cautious. Edge rusher, cornerback, and safety are all critically thin positions.
The Buccaneers have three potential trade possibilities.
Mercilus, Whitney
In today’s NFL, finding full edge defenders on the trade market is virtually difficult. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, they don’t need an edge defender in his prime. Even though Whitney Mercilus is beyond his peak, he still possesses some pass-rush ability. Last season, the University of Illinois graduate only had four sacks for the Houston Texans, but he was part of one of the league’s poorest defenses.
The Texans also wanted Mercilus to be a full-time player, something Tampa Bay didn’t want him to do. Mercilus would be used as a rotational pass rusher and would provide valuable depth. He’d be able to rush the quarterback virtually exclusively, which has always been his strength. This would be a no-brainer for the Buccaneers, as it would help them fill out their depth chart with an experienced player who would be a great match for his position.
Houston would also profit from this deal. Mercilus is much too old to be trapped on a squad that is still rebuilding. He’s just depriving younger guys of playing time, therefore transferring him is in the Texans’ best interests.
Callahan, Bryce
Tampa Bay’s cornerback corps is shockingly weak. There isn’t a playable corner on the squad beyond their starting three. The Buccaneers don’t want Ross Cockrell to play substantial snaps for them if he gets hurt, so acquiring a cornerback should be high on their priority list.
Bryce Callahan comes in at this point. Last season, Callahan was one of the most underappreciated players in the NFL, finishing as one of Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked corners. I don’t anticipate the former Rice Owl to have another season like that, but he’s a competent defender. He may make a case for starting for the Buccaneers, but I don’t think Tampa Bay will make a lineup change until it’s absolutely essential. Callahan would also provide experience to a cornerback corps that is one of the league’s youngest.
The Denver Broncos, Callahan’s current team, have a surplus of cornerbacks as well. Denver now has three or four different cornerbacks vying for the starting job over Callahan, so moving him is a possibility.
Everett, Deshazor
Everett began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the Washington Football Team, he has thrived as a depth and special teams player. Last season, he had 31 tackles and four pass breakups. The Texas A&M graduate hasn’t seen a lot of action at safety, but the Buccaneers aren’t counting on him to play a lot of snaps. He’d return to Tampa Bay as an insurance policy for the starting safety while also contributing on special teams.
Because the Football team has a lot of depth at safety, Everett should be disposable. Washington would likely take a fifth-round selection from the Buccaneers in exchange for him. For the piece of mind that Everett’s presence would offer, a fifth-rounder is a modest price to pay.
The seahawks trade rumors are three potential trade candidates entering the 2021 training camp.
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