Buccaneers Connected to Stunning Trade That Could Reshape the NFL
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made five straight playoff appearances and appear to be well on track to make a sixth consecutive trip in 2025. But are they genuine Super Bowl contenders?
In an absolutely loaded NFC, it will be difficult for the Buccaneers to make a very deep playoff run, although we cannot rule it out entirely. But Tampa Bay's chances would definitely increase if it were able to land one more Pro Bowl talent.
More news: Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Speaks Out About New NFL Rule Change
Well, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum has linked the Bucs to a blockbuster trade in which the Buccaneers would land superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys.
.@RealTannenbaum has Micah Parsons trade offers for the Bills, Lions and Buccaneers 👀
Which offer makes the most sense? pic.twitter.com/ONPBdOuGmA — Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 15, 2025
In the deal, Tampa Bay would send second running back Bucky Irving, defensive tackle Vita Vea and a first-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for Parsons, who has been named to four straight Pro Bowls to begin his NFL career.
That definitely seems like a rather steep price for the Bucs to pay. Irving is quickly developing into a star, and Vea is a two-time Pro Bowler himself. However, it may be worth it if it meant bagging Parsons.
Parsons has established himself as one of the best players in football, having accumulated a robust 52.5 sacks over his first four seasons. Last year, the 26-year-old rattled off 43 tackles and 12 sacks.
Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 17, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 17, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.Currently embroiled in a contract dispute with the Cowboys, Parsons would absolutely shift the direction of the Buccaneers' defense, which already possesses a pretty solid pass rush to begin with (Tampa Bay totaled 46 sacks in 2024).
Here's the thing, though: not a single player on the Bucs logged double-digit sacks last season. In fact, Calijah Kancey led the way with just 7.5. So while the Buccaneers may have depth along the edge, they don't have a truly dominant force at the position.
Parsons could step in and change that immediately, and he would make the Bucs clear-cut favorites to win the NFC South (if they weren't already).
More news: Ravens Predicted to Make Shocking Move With Former Second-Round Pick
The Buccaneers won 10 games in 2024 and have captured four consecutive division crowns. They certainly have an explosive offense guided by quarterback Baker Mayfield, but their defense ranked a very pedestrian 19th in the league last season. It could definitely use a significant upgrade, and Parsons would obviously play a major role in improving the unit.
Tampa Bay will open its regular season on Sept. 7 when it heads on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons, who are probably the Bucs' top competition in the NFC South.
For more on the Buccaneers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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