Lavonte DavidKevin Sabitus/Getty Images
If it weren’t for the slip-up two Sundays ago to the Broncos, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be in the discussion for the top team in the NFC through the first month of the season.
This week’s win makes Tampa Bay 3-1 and puts it in sole possession of the division lead. Linebacker Lavonte David had a “turn back the clock” type of performance with a team-high eight tackles, two sacks and a pass defensed.
Add Now: Trade for Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
Heading into this past weekend, the Buccaneers only had two sacks on the season, so the defense could use some pass-rushing help. Meanwhile, the current Giant was listed as the third overall player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column this week and as a good fit for the Bucs.
“Ojulari had just 2.5 sacks in 2023, and while he did record a sack against Cleveland, he’s only played 38 percent of the defensive snaps this year,” B/R’s Kristopher Knox wrote. “With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns now at the center of the Giants’ pass rush, Ojulari probably isn’t in their long-term plans.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a logical landing spot for the 24-year-old. They have their eyes on another NFC South title this season but could use a defensive boost, especially on the edge.”
2025 Free Agency: EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
On a related note, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s contract expires at the end of the year, so the defense’s issues on the edge are only going to get worse in the offseason if he isn’t retained. While the front office did prepare for Tryon-Shoyinka to walk by drafting Chris Braswell in the second round, Braswell has gotten off to a slow start in 2024.
To help keep the team’s Super Bowl hopes alive, Tampa Bay should go after one of the most decorated edge-rushers in this year’s free-agent class. Mack had 2.5 sacks through three games this season and is coming off a career-high 17 sacks last year.
Granted, this might take some financial maneuvering as the Bucs are currently projected to have about $28.3 million of cap space available, per Over The Cap. But the 33-year-old who turns 34 in February might be willing to sign for a slight discount to play for a contender in his home state.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
While Zyon McCollum is having a strong campaign so far, he’s only signed through 2025, so Jason Licht might want to get ahead of a need and explore his cornerback options in the draft. So the Kentucky product should be on Licht’s radar.
“Hairston burst onto the scene as one of the most productive cornerbacks in college football in the 2023 season, recording five interceptions and two returned for touchdowns,” The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez wrote.
“Hairston plays within what appears to be a primarily zone defense, which supports Hairston’s A-traits: instincts, ball skills and the ability to be a quick reactor. Through his play, Hairston has elevated himself to be considered a playmaker for the Kentucky defense and one of the most talented defenders in college football.”
