Buccaneers predicted to trade for 45-sack defender in draft blockbuster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There is perhaps no team in the NFL who needs to add pass rushers more than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do. If the season started today, the Bucs would likely start Al-Quadin Muhammad and Yaya Diaby on the outside.

Muhammad had a career year in 2025, but he's been a journeyman who's never come close to replicating his 2025 production in any other season. Diaby has shown promise, but probably isn't someone you want to rely on every down. Of course, the draft is just days away, so the team could always add a rookie or two on the edge.

But talent evaluation is far from a sure thing, and it could take a while for a rookie pass rusher to develop. As a result, it's possible the Bucs could take to the trade market instead. Jack Markowski of Steelers On SI recently proposed a trade that would net the Bucs a quality veteran pass rusher- Alex Highsmith of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Recent reports indicate the Steelers could be interested in moving on from Highsmith, so the proposal makes sense. As far as the trade goes, Markowski thinks it could look something like this: Bucs receive: 2026 First-Round Pick (No. 21 overall), 2026 Third-Round Pick (No. 85 overall), 2026 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 161 overall), EDGE rusher Alex HighsmithSteelers receive: 2026 First-Round Pick (No. 15 overall), 2026 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 116 overall), 2027 Second-Round PickThere's a lot to unpack here. Essentially, the Bucs move back six spots in the first round of the 2026 draft and add a third rounder and fifth rounder this year, and Highsmith, while the Steelers move up to No. 15, add a 2026 fourth rounder, and a 2027 second rounder.

This could make sense for both teams. The Steelers save some money and open up a spot in the edge rusher rotation for a younger guy. Pittsburgh also gets to move up a few spots and adds a second-round pick next year.

The Bucs, meanwhile, add more draft capital for this year, and get a proven commodity on the edge. Highsmith would immediately start on the edge for the Bucs and could become an important veteran presence. In 2025, Highsmith played in 13 games and collected 50 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

The veteran earned an 82.8 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 15th out of 115 qualified edge rushers. This is the kind of deal that wouldn't make a ton of headlines, but it could end up having huge repercussions. The Bucs need to be bold to improve their defense, and this is just one way they could do that. More NFL news:Titans suggested to make bold trade for disgruntled starRavens-Cowboys urged to link up for blockbuster dealCould Vikings shake up the 2026 NFL Draft?Wild trade idea sends Hall of Famer's son to Green BayCould Lions trade for Titans' star player?Matt LaFleur delivers promising update on injured star