The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received extensive media praise this offseason, credited for making savvy moves and securing a solid draft class. This included what appeared to be smart re-signings of key veteran players they were never likely to part with.
One trade the Buccaneers seemed most proud of involved dealing veteran cornerback Carlton Davis and two sixth-round picks to the Detroit Lions. In exchange, they received a 2024 third-round pick, which Tampa Bay used to draft University of Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan.
Now, ten games into the 2024 season, it’s hard not to see the Buccaneers as clear losers in this trade. Davis has revitalized his career with the Lions, playing at a Pro Bowl level for one of the league’s hottest teams. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are enduring one of their worst defensive seasons in recent memory, consistently struggling against opposing quarterbacks.
McMillan has contributed little so far, dealing with injuries and managing only 10 receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown across five games.
Davis Proves His Worth for Future Deals
Davis started his NFL career with the Buccaneers, who selected him 63rd overall in the 2018 draft. He quickly became a starter and logged a career-high four interceptions in 2020, helping Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl.
In March 2022, Davis signed a lucrative 3-year, $44.5 million extension with the Buccaneers, which eventually became a 1-year, $14.5 million contract with the Lions after the trade.
Injuries have plagued Davis throughout his career. He hasn’t played a full season, missing a career-high seven games in 2021, four in 2022, and five in 2023.
That hasn’t been a problem in 2024. Davis has played in all nine games for the 8-1 Lions, who look set to reach their first Super Bowl. Their only loss came against the Buccaneers in Week 2.
Despite the matchup, Davis kept things professional when speaking with Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher, saying, “It’s not personal. It’s all business… I have a lot of love for those guys, but on Sunday, it’s football—no friends on the field.”
Buccaneers’ Defensive Woes
Davis has earned a 74.5 PFF grade with 47 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 pass deflections in 2024. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ defense has struggled significantly.
Heading into their Week 11 bye, Tampa Bay is on a four-game losing streak with a 4-6 record. Ranked 31st in team defense, they’ve allowed 21 passing touchdowns in just 10 games.
