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If Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward were to become available, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have an interesting decision to make.
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell recently listed Ward among several established stars who could eventually be traded, suggesting a fourth-round pick could be enough to acquire the five-time Pro Bowler. While there's no indication the Browns are actively shopping him, the projection naturally raises the question of whether Tampa Bay should pick up the phone.
On paper, Ward would immediately become one of the most accomplished defensive backs on the Buccaneers' roster. A five-time Pro Bowler entering his age-29 season, Ward has consistently proven he can match up against the NFL's top receivers while playing at a high level in both man and zone coverage.
The question isn't whether Ward is talented enough. It's whether he fits what Tampa Bay is trying to build.
The Buccaneers have invested heavily in their defense over the last two offseasons. Zyon McCollum is locked into one outside cornerback spot, while second-round pick Benjamin Morrison is expected to compete for a starting role opposite him. Third-round selection Jacob Parrish projects as the team's primary nickel defender after spending time both inside and outside during offseason practices. Behind them, Tampa Bay added veteran Chase Lucas while continuing to develop Josh Hayes and several younger defensive backs.
That's a significant investment in youth.
Trading for Ward would almost certainly solidify one side of the secondary, but it would also reduce opportunities for Morrison to develop as a rookie after the organization spent a premium draft pick on him just months ago. For a front office that has consistently preferred building through the draft, that's a legitimate consideration.
At the same time, Todd Bowles has never been opposed to adding proven veterans if it gives his defense a better chance to compete immediately. Ward's experience, ball skills, and ability to travel with opposing No. 1 receivers would give Bowles one of the strongest cornerback duos in the NFC alongside McCollum, while allowing Morrison to develop without the pressure of being an immediate starter.
Podell did not predict that a trade was imminent, only that Ward could become available for the right price. If that opportunity ever presents itself, Tampa Bay would have to balance its confidence in a young cornerback room against the chance to acquire one of the NFL's most accomplished defensive backs at a relatively modest cost.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: If made available, could the Bucs make a move for Denzel Ward?
Continue reading...
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell recently listed Ward among several established stars who could eventually be traded, suggesting a fourth-round pick could be enough to acquire the five-time Pro Bowler. While there's no indication the Browns are actively shopping him, the projection naturally raises the question of whether Tampa Bay should pick up the phone.
On paper, Ward would immediately become one of the most accomplished defensive backs on the Buccaneers' roster. A five-time Pro Bowler entering his age-29 season, Ward has consistently proven he can match up against the NFL's top receivers while playing at a high level in both man and zone coverage.
The question isn't whether Ward is talented enough. It's whether he fits what Tampa Bay is trying to build.
The Buccaneers have invested heavily in their defense over the last two offseasons. Zyon McCollum is locked into one outside cornerback spot, while second-round pick Benjamin Morrison is expected to compete for a starting role opposite him. Third-round selection Jacob Parrish projects as the team's primary nickel defender after spending time both inside and outside during offseason practices. Behind them, Tampa Bay added veteran Chase Lucas while continuing to develop Josh Hayes and several younger defensive backs.
That's a significant investment in youth.
Trading for Ward would almost certainly solidify one side of the secondary, but it would also reduce opportunities for Morrison to develop as a rookie after the organization spent a premium draft pick on him just months ago. For a front office that has consistently preferred building through the draft, that's a legitimate consideration.
At the same time, Todd Bowles has never been opposed to adding proven veterans if it gives his defense a better chance to compete immediately. Ward's experience, ball skills, and ability to travel with opposing No. 1 receivers would give Bowles one of the strongest cornerback duos in the NFC alongside McCollum, while allowing Morrison to develop without the pressure of being an immediate starter.
Podell did not predict that a trade was imminent, only that Ward could become available for the right price. If that opportunity ever presents itself, Tampa Bay would have to balance its confidence in a young cornerback room against the chance to acquire one of the NFL's most accomplished defensive backs at a relatively modest cost.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: If made available, could the Bucs make a move for Denzel Ward?
Continue reading...
