Trading For An Edge Rusher
October 5th, 2025
Decisions for Bucs GM Jason Licht.
So before the Bucs had another facepalm afternoon today from their edge rushers, a Buccaneers legend suggested the team may want to swing a deal for edge rush help prior to the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline.
And then came today.
It was status woe from the Bucs edge rushers, who have combined for just 2 sacks through 5 games.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold had lots of time and played with the confidence quarterbacks often get when nothing is coming at them off the edge.
Is Stylez White in shape?
Despite the Bucs’ thrilling, hug-your-neighbor victory today, Joe has to go here. Teams need a dangerous edge rush to have legit Super Bowl aspirations and the Bucs don’t have close to one.
Where art thou, Haason Reddick?
Bucs legend Rondé Barber was asked on the WFLA-TV show that bears his name last week about the Bucs making a move to improve before the trade deadline.
Barber quickly suggested the Bucs look for an edge rusher.
Now Barber also quickly said it’s hard for the Bucs to deal draft picks because they’re so damn good at drafting. And Barber acknowledged good edge rushers aren’t always on the market.
However, sometimes they are available. And Joe could argue Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht is so damn good at drafting that coughing up a pick is something he could overcome.
The Tampa Bay roster has an abundance of talent. Perhaps it’s time to get clever and creative?
Joe looks at the bumbling Giants and wonders what they might want to part with one of their edge rushers. Same for the Dolphins. Other teams may be (or soon will be) in rebuild/desperation mode.
At 4-1, the Bucs should look in the mirror and assess the risk.
Joe already knows the risk of having a feeble edge rush.