NFL Trade Deadline: Latest Bucs Updates, Rumors

Will Bucs be buyers or sellers at Tuesday's deadline?

The NFL's annual trade deadline is approaching Tuesday afternoon, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a curious position.

At 2-5, it would make sense for the team to be sellers at the deadline, especially considering their lack of cap space and the amount of needs they'll need to fill next offseason.

But head coach Bruce Arians made it clear after Sunday's loss to the Titans that he's more focused on winning this season than trading assets that could help them now for future considerations.

That could keep the team from dealing former first-round pick O.J. Howard, a young and talented tight end who hasn't been used much in the passing game this season, despite his rare skill set. The team reportedly turned down interest from the New England Patriots for Howard, but as the deadline approaches, it's possible Tampa Bay could soften to the idea.

Rumors continue to swirl around OJ Howard as a trade candidate. Two weeks ago I was told he wasn't available. I'm now told that the only way the Bucs consider trading him right now is for a substantial offer. Multiple teams have inquired. https://t.co/yiKTDuNqAK

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 28, 2019

It's hard to imagine any other players on Tampa Bay's roster getting much interest. Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, defensive linemen Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh, and tight end Cameron Brate could possibly draw some offers, but likely not enough to make the Bucs entertain them.

If the Bucs want to upgrade their league-worst pass defense, adding a dynamic safety like Jamal Adams would be a huge boost. It would likely be out of Tampa Bay's price range in terms of compensation, but the Jets appear to be at least entertaining offers on the former top-10 pick:

The hot name right now is Jamal Adams. It wouldn’t shock me if he gets dealt. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 29, 2019

In other news around the league, a former Buc is headed to a new team, as the Rams are shipping cornerback Aqib Talib to the Miami Dolphins:

Trade: Rams are trading CB Aqib Talib AND a fifth-round pick to Miami for a future pick, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2019