TAMPA, Fla. — While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done a valiant job bringing as many players back to the team for this season, they are still tinkering with the roster which includes a trade to Detroit.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay is trading Super Bowl-winning cornerback Carlton Davis III, along with a 2024 6th round pick and 2025 6th round pick for a 2024 3rd round pick from the Lions.
This move clears a path for Zyon McCollum to be a starting cornerback next season alongside Jamel Dean.
Carlton Davis III was drafted by the Bucs in 2018 with a 2nd round pick. During that time he has played in 76 regular season games with nine interceptions and 73 passes defended. He has also played in nine postseason games, helping the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV against the Chiefs.
The Super Bowl LV roster continues to get whittled down in Tampa Bay as Davis III joins Ryan Jensen (retired) and Shaquil Barrett (released) who won't be back next season.
While Davis III remains a very good cornerback, his availability has always been a concern. In his six-year career with Tampa Bay, the Auburn product has missed 22 games.
Davis III signed a three-year deal with the team in 2022 and was going to be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
In other news, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, wide receiver Russell Gage did not have his option picked up by the team. He missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in Training Camp. In 2022, Tom Brady's final NFL season, Gage recorded 51 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns.
As for some good news for fans, multiple reports indicate the Bucs have reached a three-year deal with kicker Chase McLaughlin. McLaughlin set a franchise record, drilling 29-of-31 field goals this past season with seven of them coming from 50+ yards.
At the NFL Combine in February, Jason Licht said the city should throw another boat parade if he can re-sign Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., Chase McLaughlin and Lavonte David. David is the final piece to the parade.
Also, according to multiple reports, the team will bring back defensive tackle Greg Gaines on a one-year deal. He provides depth on the defensive interior for this group. He's best known for his prowess against the run.
While deals can be agreed to as of Monday, contracts won't be officially signed until Wednesday for players switching teams.