The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the NFL’s most pleasant surprises in the early stages of the 2023 campaign, getting off to a 3-1 start. Now, they could look to add for a run at the playoffs. Could a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris be in the cards?
The Buccaneers are currently in first place in a very winnable NFC South division, so instead of being sellers like many anticipated going into the season, they may very well be buyers between now and the Oct. 31 trade deadline.
One area of weakness for Tampa Bay is its backfield. Its top rusher, Rachaad White, is averaging a meager 3.3 yards per carry this season, and he logged just 3.7 yards per attempt last year.
As a result, you may see the Bucs in the market for a running back over the next several weeks.
How about taking a swing at Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Najee Harris?
While Harris has been somewhat of a disappointment since being taken by the Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he would still represent an upgrade over what the Buccaneers currently have.
Harris has certainly been more efficient than White thus far in 2023, logging 4.3 yards per rush. He also has a pair of 1,000-yard campaigns in his rearview mirror, although he averaged under four yards per carry both times.
Tampa Bay could send a 2024 second-round draft pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Harris. This would give the Bucs the running back they so desperately need while also supplying the Steelers with a Day 2 pick they could certainly utilize in the offseason.
The Buccaneers currently rank 27th in the league in rushing offense, so adding Harris would certainly help remedy their issues running the football.
Najee Harris would instantly become Tampa Bay’s featured back and would bolster an offense that has been led by a revitalized Baker Mayfield through the first several weeks.
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