The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 41-31 to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. During the game, they also lost star wide receiver Mike Evans to a hamstring injury and Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle injury.
The Buccaneers are 4-3 on the season and still in a good position to make the playoffs. However, with both their primary wideouts out injured, CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin has urged them to trade for Christian Kirk.
Christian Kirk Contract Details: Can the Buccaneers Afford Him?
Kirk signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. At the time, it felt like an overpay, but he immediately played a big role in Trevor Lawrence’s development.
He suffered a groin injury last season and was limited to only 12 games. With the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr., Kirk’s role has slightly reduced, and he has 25 receptions for 320 yards and a touchdown on 42 targets in seven games this year.
The Jaguars are 2-5 on the season, and if they lose to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, the AFC South franchise could be tempted to trade away some of its players. Kirk has one year left on his deal after 2024, and the team could consider trading him away.
The Buccaneers can afford him if the Jaguars decide to eat up some of Kirk’s salary this year. Per Spotrac, Tampa Bay is projected to have $31.6 million in cap space next year, but the team might be unwilling to take on Kirk’s contract.
Benjamin has the Buccaneers trading away a fifth-round pick to get Kirk. Given the current situation, the franchise might instead look to get a receiver who will be a rental piece, as they don’t have a lot of cap space next year.
A Look at Bucs’ Depth Chart for Week 8
The Buccaneers will play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. They already lost their first game against Atlanta this season and need a win to keep their hopes of winning the NFC South.
The Buccaneers will be without Evans until at least Week 12, and with Godwin sidelined for the season, here’s what their Week 8 depth chart will look like:
- WR1: Jalen McMillan
- WR2: Sterling Shepard
- WR3: Trey Palmer
Rookie running back Bucky Irving missed practice on Wednesday, and there were doubts about his availability. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, Irving is expected to play against the Falcons.
Baker Mayfield has played quite well this season but is coming off a tough game against the Ravens. He has thrown five interceptions in the last two games and will hope to get things back on track against the Falcons.
In seven games this season, the Oklahoma product has thrown for 1,859 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, completing 70.5% of his throws with a passer rating of 107.1.
All eyes will be on McMillan on Sunday. The third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will have a big role to play against the Falcons. If McMillan plays well, he could save the franchise a lot of money and draft capital.