Veteran, Super Bowl Cornerback Linked To Bucs
December 18th, 2025
Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie.
Joe is hesitant to type about 2026 because we’re still in 2025 and the Bucs are in the thick of a playoff hunt.
But given the source for this connect-the-dots speculation, Joe believes it has credibility.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN typed an interesting item about Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, who is looking for a contract extension. A first-round pick in 2021 out of Washington, the four-year starter wants to be paid.
Fowler is one of the most plugged-in NFL reporters and he doesn’t push baloney. For example: two years ago he reported the Bucs were looking to trade either Carlton Davis or Jamel Dean but not both. Days later, the Bucs traded Davis to Detroit and a year later the Bucs ordered Dean to redo his contract — or else.
And to add to the following intrigue, Joe saw Fowler at the Bucs’ game Thursday, prowling the bowels of The Licht House.
Back to McDuffie. Fowler thinks McDuffie may just be on the trade block this offseason and it would be a solid move for McDuffie to trade in Chiefs red for Bucs red.
Another name on my radar is Chiefs corner Trent McDuffie. The last Kansas City corner eyeing a big extension, L’Jarius Sneed, was shipped to Tennessee for a draft pick. McDuffie would have value, and Tampa Bay would be a perfect spot for him.
So why would the Bucs be the “perfect spot?” Joe’s not sure.
Didn’t the Bucs just drop a bag of Team Glazer loot into Zyon McCollum’s lap? Didn’t the Bucs just draft two corners on Day 2 of the draft last April? Isn’t Dean having his best season?
Or are the Bucs uncomfortable handing Benjamin Morrison a starting gig? Or are the Bucs going to let Dean walk out the door in February? Or might McCollum be waved goodbye? Or do the Bucs want to keep Jacob Parrish at slot corner?
Joe thought the Bucs were set at corner for 2026. Apparently not.
With all the smoke coming from One Buc Palace about attitude of some players, and given the awful play of the defense, personnel changes are coming. But Joe isn’t expecting it to be anything major at corner.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:10 am
Please!
Let’s move on to 2026
It’s a win win
The fans can escape
And the players get the message and the KICK IS THE ASS that the HC and GM have FAILED to deliver to the employees!
I am not even giving them the benefit of being called NFL PLAYERS.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Well Joe just think about all those holes over the middle and Zyon, chasing people from behind. That should get you to think twice about anything in the Bucs secondary. Dean is going to get paid by somebody, that is a given, will it be Tampa?. Morrison looks to have promise, but currently he seems to be injured more than Dean. Do we want another corner who constantly is out with injuries. McColumn, right now should not be starting that’s for sure. Yes , I think Parrish is going to be good. So in all of that Tampa has one functioning corner. So Joe wouldn’t you like to see a major upgrade at corner?, Joe think about all those open holes, Cousins, 3rd and 4th 28 and 14. Yes an upgrade at corner PLEASE!!!!
December 18th, 2025 at 9:19 am
Joe and posters
When was the last complete dominating good football game the Bucs played?
Was it even last year?
December 18th, 2025 at 9:19 am
I 100% believe it because Licht keeps drafting brittle cornerbacks not because Morrison can’t do the job he maybe turn out to be a good draft pick but the dude has been hurt ALL season ALL training camp and who can trust that
December 18th, 2025 at 9:20 am
Draft:
-DJ McKinney – Colorado
-Devon Moore – Florida
-Xavier Scott – Illinois
-Davison Igbinosun – Ohio State
-Chris Johnson – SDSU
-Jaedyn Lukus -Clemson
All cheaper than McDuffie.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:20 am
Despite the recent lag, are we still in it this year? Yes!
I didn’t hear no bell!
Go Bucs, will always root for you to win a Lombardi as long as there is a chance. If eliminated, then Play for the draft.
Let’s win on Sunday and keep it rolling.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:21 am
Might as well. I’ll be more disappointed if we make the playoffs and get hammered at home again. Bring on the free agency and draft talk.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:26 am
Well maybe after Davis, Dean, now Morrisson, and several others, maybe and just maybe Licht has figured out that if guys can’t stay healthy you can not rely on them on Sundays.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:26 am
We need to build a freaking D-line and pass rush the way we’ve tried to build the O-line.
All the teams that have won super bowls, have had elite D-lines and edge players that can pressure the QB, including us.
It’s not rocket science. Our best defense was when we had 2 legit pass rushers and elite DT’s stopping the run. Plug whoever you want in the secondary and you will have better succes than solid secondary and no pass rush.
It’s insane to me how we’ve dedicated so much more resources to secondary over front 7 and pass rush over the decades under so many defensive coaches. It’s the most baffling part of this organization.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:27 am
Joe…..you know the answer….you can never have enough CBs….or WRs…..
December 18th, 2025 at 9:27 am
SB-LV I’d say 2024 @ LA Chargers qualifies as a domination
December 18th, 2025 at 9:31 am
McDuffie is an interesting play. He certainly doesn’t have the size of Jamel Dean and McCullom, but according to PFF he’s a very strong tackler and above average in coverage (on this roster he’d be ranked only behind Jamel Dean). I don’t necessarily think personnel is a problem in the secondary other than Zyon getting bored, rookie Morrison being a rookie coming off an injury, and AWJ not playing up to his contract.
I would 100% take him over Zyon right now, but at the same time, we lose size on the outside, and we stack up on the slot build guys.
I’m in on it if it doesn’t cost us too much. The scheme would need to change but judging by history, Bowles doesn’t seem too keen on doing that. Regardless of McDuffie, Bowles has to change the scheme to fit the personnel at this point. If the system doesn’t fit the roster, no matter how good the system is, it will fail.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:41 am
Edge and ILB are far bigger needs. Resign Dean to a 2-3 year deal.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:41 am
Jason Licht will not trade for him. Get real, lol.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:43 am
SB~LV Says:
“When was the last complete dominating good football game the Bucs played?”
Sun 10/26/2025. ..vs Saints.
23-3
You would know this if you were actually a fan.
December 18th, 2025 at 9:47 am
Perhaps a message to the not yet bad apple(s) that there are other options on the table…(?)
December 18th, 2025 at 9:49 am
Maybe he knows who the next coach is.🤨
December 18th, 2025 at 9:50 am
Let’s see what the new GM, and HC want to do.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:05 am
I like him. Unfortunately, he has had his share of injuries. Hesitant.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:06 am
We need DEs. Remember…3rd and 28.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Any speculation on whom the Chiefs might want in return? I think they’re pretty savvy traders.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Can he edge rush? That’s the trade!
December 18th, 2025 at 10:17 am
Here’s the thing:
For some reason, a reason with which we all own opinions without positive proof, this defense looks uninspired and dead on their heels. Other than us Bucs fans, how many fans would’ve been outright worried about their opponent grabbing a first down with the game on the line on 3rd down 28 to go? Like … none?
I’m guessing most of us played sandlot, flag or tackle football during our younger years. And we all remember firing each other up on defense to make a play, right? It’s a natural element of all team sports, on all levels.
The Bucs have none of that, and whatever they did have is gone.
They play like a team just waiting to make a big mistake—lackadaisical efforts and no leadership from the veterans or coach.
They need to stop pointing fingers and play as a group.
What I wouldn’t give to have half the effort the D displays in Houston. That’s a defense that can win a championship. Their problem, however, resides on the other side of the ball. They’re like Bucs opposites.
A new three game season begins on Sunday. It’s still not too late to turn things around. Time to step up, grow up, support each other and play for the reason you played football for in the first place, the love of the game.
Don’t do it for Bowles, do it for us. You know, us peons who support you every week! Without us they’d be no NFL!
Too melodramatic?
December 18th, 2025 at 10:18 am
100% TOTAL BS!!!!🤬
…..cmon now….WE ALL KNOW that unless it is a bargain basement deal; Jason Licht NEVER pays full price for Premium Free Agents or Trades for players…….he just doesn’t do it.
Can anyone even remember the last time Jason Licht paid a premium Free Agent current market value?????
Because I can’t and I don’t think you ever will…..that’s not his style or the Glazers EL CHEAPO style either.
Man, don’t we all miss Malcom Glazer!
December 18th, 2025 at 10:19 am
Yay another playoff loss in front of a half empty stadium. There is no excitement for this team, no momentum, little confidence. But Bowles will fix this and get us deep into the playoffs? Right? Fire over confident mistake prone clueless opposing qb loving Bowles! Immediately.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:28 am
Joe … ‘a year later the Bucs ordered Dean to redo his contract — or else.’
Obviously you know something Joe that the rest of us don’t. The words ‘or else’ imply something rather dastardly was gonna happen if Jamel didn’t take a huge pay cut.
So what’s the scoop Joe on the ‘or else’? I honestly don’t get it. Jamel’s contract for $16 mil in 2025 seemed kinda iron-tight. What could Licht possibly threaten him with that’d cause him to accept a $12 mil loss for this year?
December 18th, 2025 at 10:29 am
“Sun 10/26/2025. ..vs Saints.
23-3
You would know this if you were actually a fan.”
Our offense was crap in this game. Domination isn’t failing in 8 tries on the goal line and needing a 9th try to cross it.
Also, 2 really bad calls on Winfield takeaways short of the defense outscoring the offense and the Saints only scored 3 points after the offense coughed the ball up.
Tucker and Nelson scored our only TDs.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:33 am
To trade for him would be ian admission by Jason Licht that he failed on the drafting of two cornerbacks this year. I just don’t see that happening.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Here before 813BucBoi posts about how we need to draft a QB because the reason the defense cant stop 3rd and 28 or even 4th and 14 is because Baker is our QB
December 18th, 2025 at 10:35 am
SB~LV Says:
“When was the last complete dominating good football game the Bucs played?”
I think we have to go back to 2024:
December 16, 2024: Bucs 40 Chargers 17 in LA
December 30 2024: Buc 48 Carolina 14
It has been awhile.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:37 am
@joe uh……wondering why we wouldn’t pick up Judon at this point? I mean we signed JPP for pete’s sake, why not sign a somewhat bonafide pass rusher?
December 18th, 2025 at 10:38 am
“When was the last complete dominating good football game the Bucs played?
Was it even last year?”
@Chargers last year.
Chaad, Tucker & Bucky had 37 combined touches for 198 yards w/o a score, but using all 3 to the tune of 5 yards a touch is how we should’ve seen this trio used this season.
Mike had 159 yards on 9 catches and 2 scores leading our all receivers.
Defense forced a couple turnovers and held the Chargers to 17 points.
Could argue week 17 last year against Carolina as another dominating performance as well.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:40 am
“Here before 813BucBoi posts about how we need to draft a QB because the reason the defense cant stop 3rd and 28 or even 4th and 14 is because Baker is our QB”
Joe Fagnano in the 6th, also we need to do SOMETHING at QB because the new league year may start with us just having Baker at QB, and that can’t be life. Read the room.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:52 am
JA … ‘this defense looks uninspired and dead on their heels.’
This Bucs’ defense has been in freefall since 2023 (surrendered 325 pts in 2023, then 385 pts in 2024, and now they’re on-track to surrender around 430 pts this season (personally I think they’ll do a tad less than that, but not much less).
Where the ‘freefall’ really shows IMO is mostly in the RZTD percentages. In 2023 opponents got into our Red Zone 54 times, but we only allowed them to score 23 TDs … for 42.6% success rate.
In 2024 opponents got into our Red Zone 57 times, but converted 31 of those into TDs … for a 54.4% success rate.
In 2025 opponents have only gotten into our Red Zone 36 times, but we allowed them to score on 26 of those visits … for a 72.2% success rate. Project that linearly over 17 games and they’ll have 44 forays into our Red Zone, and score on 32 of those … for the same 72.2% success rate.
That’s a horrific slide in our capability to defend our own goal line. And what makes it far worse is that explosive plays (20 yds or more) OUTSIDE the Red Zone have been far worse this year than in past years. this defense has already given up 5 explosive rushing TDs (of 20 yds or more) AND 9 explosive passing TDs (of 20 yds or more). That’s 14 total this year in only 14 games (could project to be 17 total on the season). Last year we gave up 9 total explosive TDs (0 runs & 9 passes). In 2023 we gave up 11 total explosive TDs (0 runs & 11 passes).
Todd Bowles ‘bend-but-don’t-break’ defensive scheme is beyond broken. With top performers he MIGHT be able to salvage it, but we don’t have top performers. Our opponents have figured out our weaknesses, and they’re relentlessly attacking those weaknesses week after week. And IMO it’ll only get worse unless major changes are made in both this coaching staff AND in the defensive players we’re putting on the field.
December 18th, 2025 at 10:58 am
Has anyone seen Aqualung?
Why would the Bucs waste more money on a CB if Bowles is still here to employ his Swiss cheese pass scheme?
That makes zero sense to anyone with a pulse.
Also, I started watching the Bucs documentary.
Episode 1 had me tearing up for sure. That first win against the Saints was a huge moment in Bucs history. Looking forward to the rest of it.
35-34. Fire Bowles now!!!
December 18th, 2025 at 11:12 am
Klint Kubiak For Bucs HC 2026!
Same HC, another crappy mirrored season next year…
Will the owners EVER want to be a respectable WINNING TEAM in this league!
December 18th, 2025 at 11:25 am
That is pretty damning evidence, DR. I suspected something like this. This just confirms my suspicion that our defense under Bowles is getting worse each year. Imagine that! All the picks and $$$ spent each year trying to get better and the offenses we face do get better and better.
If I were a Glazier I would look at Bowles as a “must go”. Then I would think who brought in these “under performers” and realize the problem is more than HC. Licht must go, too.
December 18th, 2025 at 11:25 am
1&3
It’s not just that. If you get on “the list” every post is moderated.
This site was so awesome back in the day when you posted it appeared, and you could have discussions. Now it’s like an hour delay if you’re lucky.
December 18th, 2025 at 11:28 am
JL “ keeping the band together “
Turns out we got The Backstreet Boys instead
Of Metallic
December 18th, 2025 at 11:35 am
DR raises a good question, why would Dean take such a massive pay cut?
Was he that overpaid?
December 18th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
It is possible Dean wanted to be traded and instead Licht made him a deal – take a salary cut and I’ll let you walk in FA in a year. That makes more sense to me.
Jason Licht is a HUGE problem. Brady saved his butt from getting fired.
Brady gone and now Jason sucks again.
December 18th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
“It is possible Dean wanted to be traded and instead Licht made him a deal – take a salary cut and I’ll let you walk in FA in a year. That makes more sense to me.”
A story on Deans’ restructure from Sports Illustrated from 9/12/25:
“There was plenty of speculation as to why this move would be made, but when speaking with the media following practice, Dean set the record straight.
“I’m comfortable here. It’s really not about the money anymore,” said Dean. “I’m like ‘I’m not in the mood to try to figure out a whole new system and city, like I did my rookie year.’ It saved me a headache.” – Jamel Dean
It was widely publicly talked about, but it didn’t take long for those who pay attention to the Buccaneers to notice the restructured contract.
When the news officially broke, it seemed as if this was done with the notion that Dean would be on his way out either via trade this season or through free agency the next. However, with Dean’s comments now out there, it seems as if he and the organization have come to an understanding that could lead to him re-signing this offseason for a cheaper price.”
December 18th, 2025 at 12:33 pm
I don’t think successful teams tend to plop down huge money on free agent defensive backs.
The Bucs paid a lot to keep DB’s happy, and the defense (esp. the pass defense) stinks.
December 18th, 2025 at 12:37 pm
I’m surprised no one brought up Zion’s $15.6M cap hit for 2026. He isn’t going anywhere
December 18th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Pass rushers will fix the coverage. Not the other way around.
December 18th, 2025 at 12:40 pm
We need to pursue CB’s with Luke Goedeke’s attitude! This group lacks both confidence and toughness. All the talent in the world is nothing without those two traits.
December 18th, 2025 at 12:50 pm
The pen and mic club for the Bucs is not doing their job.
Instead of holding the power structure accountable, they’re just stenographers for said power structure.
Remember how giddy the Joes were this summer when Bowles had the epiphany that you had to score more points than your opponent? They were practically crowing over it.
They should be openly telling Bowles to his face during press conferences that his job needs to be taken from him.
Even when a tough question is asked, they never have a follow up after his word salad answer.
The fans aren’t buying it and we keep reciepts. 35-34
December 18th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
Licht is terrified of giving mega contracts to anyone not on the Bucs. The numbers show it…
December 18th, 2025 at 1:01 pm
Complacency has slowly drowned this franchise.
HC
GM
Players
Should NEVER be satisfied by a win or a “good year “
Nothing short of the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME and a Super Bowl Championship should be the only thing that can be enjoyed and that is only in passing.
The whole franchise including the check signers are SOFT !
It’s a brutal game of Dominance!
The owners are not going anywhere so that is moot!
But a NEW General Manager and coaching staff needs to be being put together behind the scenes!
Move On .Glazers!
December 18th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Bucs invested a 2 and a 3 for Morrison and Parrish.
They aren’t going to sign a high-dollar free agent at the same position
December 18th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
We couldn’t possibly be set in the secondary with one of the worst pass defenses in the league. With players loafing and making dumb mistakes I would say yes we need some stud leadership and a real shut down corner.
December 18th, 2025 at 1:29 pm
I don’t give a crap about anything else…I better see the 2nd half defense of the Philly game from this week going forward it is a hard ask but we shown we are capable of stalling a team and shutting them down..that’s when we have played good defense @sb~lv
December 18th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
@WBL – No way Dean is here next year. Zero chance. He’ll get paid elsewhere. Probably appreciated more as well. UNLESS…we clean house. He may return for the new GM/HC.
December 18th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
1&3
That kind of media/journalism doesn’t exist anymore.
Access journalism. You continue to sing this “Access Journalism” song that is so misguided when it comes to JoeBucsFan. –Joe
December 18th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Defense——
Couldn’t agree more with your assessment, especially with the facts to back it up!
Trying to cling to anything positive I alluded to the 06’ Colts defense earlier in the week. They stunk it up all year, but found something late, especially in the playoffs. With the return of Bob Sanders and a renewed enthusiasm they somehow began to play great.
Yeah, that was a small miracle from 19 years ago, but it’s all I got from the ‘ya never know’ category to claim anything is possible.
I never give up until it’s over, and it ain’t over yet!
December 18th, 2025 at 2:03 pm
“No way Dean is here next year. Zero chance. He’ll get paid elsewhere. Probably appreciated more as well. UNLESS…we clean house. He may return for the new GM/HC.”
Only a Sith deals in absolutes
December 18th, 2025 at 2:40 pm
DD Says:
December 18th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Here before 813BucBoi posts about how we need to draft a QB because the reason the defense cant stop 3rd and 28 or even 4th and 14 is because Baker is our QB
*******************************************************
oh boy lol….
i wouldnt draft a QB this year lol…BUCS have too many holes along the oline and dline to waste a pick on a QB…
any who, i think we were up 28-20……
THEN baker threw the INT….
THEN baker missed EE2 with 2minutes left and ATL no Timeouts….
then the defense collapsed
yeah baker played a great game…well enough for us to win lol…NOT!
you baker fan boys are a mess
GO BUCS!!!!
December 18th, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Pretty sure that will be a decision for the new coaching staff after Bowles gets fired in 3 weeks.
December 18th, 2025 at 2:56 pm
If our secondary is all set we can draft ALL LINEBACKERS AND DEFENSIVE TACKLES. And one late developmental guard.
December 18th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Plus- they could and should RE-sign Dean RIGHT NOW. We don’t want to be stuck drafting secondary players when we need those aforementioned linebacker(s) and DT’s!
December 18th, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Why are my comments disappearing???
December 18th, 2025 at 3:41 pm
Ironlung probably just changed his name again.. Just pick the most negative comment on here about Bowels that’s him.
December 18th, 2025 at 4:35 pm
You people calling for Klint Kubiak and Jon Gruden are just calling for names you recognize and being stupid. I don’t know why any intelligent person would want Gruden as HC. He wasn’t that great – Gruden last years were the beginning of the Lost Decade. And Kubiak? Kubiak was OC for the Saints last year. The saints finished with a 5-12 record, ranking 24th in points, with Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara. Kubiak did nothing.
Be careful what you wish for. There are no Ben Johnsons out there this year. No Jim Harbaurghs to snag from a college. And there are at least 5 to 7 NFL teams that will be competing for hiring a HC.
I don’t care much for Bowles and his pillow soft pass D, and using frigging OLBs to chase WRs. But do you all want a reoccurrence of the Lost Decade? with another round of Rah, Schiano, Lovie or Koetter??? Who do you think is going to come in here and be Bruce Arians??
December 18th, 2025 at 5:43 pm
About Dean, his contract would have ended when he was 30, which is kind of a death knell for a cornerback. Now his contract ends when he is 29 and he can go somewhere and score a 3-year contract for $20-25 million a year. It’s a win-win for him and the Bucs, no way was he going to make that much money if he played here through ’26
December 18th, 2025 at 5:54 pm
What’s the difference who we put out there in the secondary if they’re just gonna be playing in another county? Unless somebody else is running the D next year & changes things. I think that’s part of the reason the players look as bad as they do also is because of the scheme/system.
December 18th, 2025 at 6:51 pm
if i were the owners i wouldn’t trust the evaluation of bowles and licht when it comes to defensive players. this only makes sense if glazers fire licht and bowles
December 18th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
Is he good at standing around in zone?