The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions thus far. After a strong 3-1 start, the Bucs have dropped three of their last four games and surrendered their division lead to the rival Atlanta Falcons. Speaking of the Falcons, two of Tampa Bay’s last three losses have come against Atlanta.
They shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet, but the Bucs need to make a move in order to ensure they reach the postseason once again. The road became much harder when Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle in Week 7, prompting him to miss the rest of the season. In the same game, Mike Evans injured his hamstring and is expected to return after the team’s bye week, which would be Week 12.
Evans will return at some point and there’s hope for Godwin to potentially come back if Tampa Bay makes a deep playoff run. However, the Bucs can’t wait this long, or else they’d put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. This is why Bleacher Report predicts they’ll trade for Jakobi Meyers ahead of the deadline.
“With Chris Godwin out for the year and Mike Evans sidelined for a while, the Buccanneers can use some wide receiver help. Meanwhile, the Raiders are sitting at 2-6 and might be willing to part with Meyers, who has 31 catches for 325 yards a touchdown this season, for a draft pick.”
While Meyers likely isn’t the big-name fans were hoping for the team to acquire, he’d be a solid option that likely wouldn’t cost nearly as much as a top-tier wideout. He has 31 catches for 325 yards and two touchdowns so far this season for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Last year was certainly impressive for Meyers, who managed to catch 71 passes for 807 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. Given the Raiders’ midseason firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and inconsistent quarterback play in 2023, Meyers’ numbers shouldn’t be scoffed at.
The Raiders aren’t going anywhere this year and seeing as the Bucs are one of the many teams in need of a wide receiver ahead of the deadline, this deal would make sense for both sides.
