The 1 trade Buccaneers must make in final week before 2026 NFL trade deadline

The 1 trade Buccaneers must make in final week before 2026 NFL trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a significant opportunity to secure a victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Their defense forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, and the offense managed to overcome an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Despite these efforts, Tampa Bay walked away with a 27-24 loss, bringing their record to 3-6 as the NFL trade deadline on November 10 approaches. This result highlights a frustrating reality for Todd Bowles’ team. The Buccaneers have enough talent to compete against strong opponents, but their failure to capitalize on advantageous situations continues to hinder their season. Baker Mayfield’s inconsistent passing has become a particular concern, especially with injuries affecting the receiving corps. General manager Jason Licht could address this weakness by pursuing Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a former Pro Bowler whose role has significantly diminished since his impressive rookie season. Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial) Tampa Bay should consider offering Jacksonville a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft for Thomas, aiming to bring in a young offensive playmaker who could contribute not just this season but in the future as well. Buccaneers must trade for Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. before NFL deadline Thomas has experienced one of the most significant declines among NFL receivers over the past two seasons. The Jaguars selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, and the former LSU standout quickly established himself as a dangerous downfield weapon. He finished his rookie season with 87 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl recognition while serving as a dependable target for Trevor Lawrence. However, his production dropped in 2025 to 707 yards and just two touchdowns, although Jacksonville had reasons to believe he could return to his previous form. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened considerably this season. Through eight games, Thomas has recorded only 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. His declining involvement has become particularly noticeable during Jacksonville’s recent victories, including a 33-10 win over Baltimore, when he played just 19 offensive snaps without receiving a target. These circumstances have sparked growing speculation about his future. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars appear willing to entertain trade offers for Thomas, although the organization has previously resisted attempts to acquire him. Why Tampa Bay needs another receiving threat Tampa Bay’s performance against Chicago revealed that the team’s offensive issues go beyond just a lack of available talent. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards, throwing two interceptions without a single passing touchdown. The Buccaneers managed to amass 352 total yards but repeatedly failed to capitalize on the opportunities their defense created. Bucky Irving was the most consistent offensive contributor, rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns. His performance helped keep Tampa Bay competitive, but the passing attack struggled to build sustained momentum. Tez Johnson led the team with 76 receiving yards on just two catches, including a spectacular 57-yard reception. Emeka Egbuka returned from a two-game absence due to a foot injury, contributing three receptions for 38 yards. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin added only two catches for 16 yards. These numbers illustrate a receiving group that has struggled to produce consistently, especially when opposing defenses prevent easy completions. Egbuka remains a key part of Tampa Bay’s future, but his second NFL season has been marred by injuries. Godwin still has valuable experience, but his production has significantly declined from the level that once made him one of the team’s most reliable offensive players. Johnson has shown notable speed and big-play potential, but his limited touches make it challenging for the Buccaneers to rely on him as their main offensive option. Adding wide receiver Calvin Thomas could provide offensive coordinator Zac Robinson with another option capable of stretching opposing defenses vertically. When at his best, Thomas creates separation downfield and forces defensive backs to respect his speed, so this threat can impact coverage even when he is not the primary target, potentially creating more opportunities for other playmakers on Tampa Bay’s roster. Why Jacksonville could consider moving Thomas The Jaguars have emerged as legitimate contenders in the AFC, entering the final hours before the trade deadline with a 6-2 record. Their success makes the situation surrounding Michael Thomas particularly intriguing. Despite the Jaguars’ strong performance, they have received minimal production from Thomas, their former first-round selection. Meanwhile, Parker Washington has become a key receiving option, and Jakobi Meyers offers another reliable target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Rookie Josh Cameron has also earned increased playing time, further intensifying the competition for roles. Head coach Liam Coen has increasingly leaned on players who align with his preferred offensive strategy, which has left Thomas with a significantly reduced role. This development presents a difficult decision for general manager James Gladstone, and while Jacksonville could retain Thomas as valuable insurance against injuries, especially given his potential downfield capabilities, they also have little incentive to trade a talented young player for inadequate compensation as they pursue a championship. Trading him could allow the team to recoup draft capital for a player who has become a relatively minor contributor. A third-round pick might be appealing, particularly if the Jaguars believe their offensive coaching staff can continue to succeed without increasing Thomas’s responsibilities. What the Buccaneers should offer Jacksonville The Buccaneers should begin negotiations by offering their third-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. Proposed trade: Buccaneers receive: WR Brian Thomas Jr. Jaguars receive: 2027 third-round pick The compensation required for the trade would represent a significant investment for a team currently three games below .500, but Thomas’ contract situation makes this proposal more reasonable than a typical trade involving an established veteran player. The 24-year-old is on his rookie contract through 2027, and Jacksonville holds a fifth-year option for 2028. His scheduled base salary for next season is approximately $2.79 million, allowing any acquiring team to evaluate him without the immediate need to negotiate an expensive extension. Tampa Bay would take on the remaining contractual obligations after the trade, while Jacksonville would retain responsibility for previously allocated signing-bonus charges. Therefore, the Buccaneers would gain a player with at least another season of contractual control, rather than spending valuable draft capital on a short-term rental. This distinction is important given the team’s disappointing record. General Manager Jason Licht cannot view this trade deadline as an opportunity to make one acquisition to become a championship contender, and the organization still has several roster weaknesses to address and needs to preserve resources for future improvements. Acquiring Thomas would be an investment in potential, rather than a costly attempt to salvage the current season. Tampa Bay should pursue upside rather than a quick fix The Buccaneers have enough experienced players to stay competitive, but their 3-6 record highlights the risks of assuming the roster will improve without making meaningful changes. Acquiring Thomas would not automatically solve Mayfield’s struggles or eliminate the offensive mistakes that led to Sunday’s defeat. However, it would provide Tampa Bay with a chance to evaluate a talented young receiver whose past performance indicates he could become a valuable contributor in the long term. Jacksonville has valid reasons to keep Thomas, especially given its playoff aspirations and the uncertainty surrounding the productivity of potential replacements throughout the season. Nevertheless, Licht should explore the possibility of acquiring him before Tuesday’s deadline. They have already shown that their defense can create opportunities against strong opponents, and adding another dynamic receiving threat could help the offense capitalize on those chances while also giving the franchise a player worth developing beyond 2026. Related: Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield now on wrong end of multiple opponent 4-interception games Related: Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield calls out Bears for illegal tactics that refs refused to punish