The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the offseason receiving widespread praise for what seemed like a series of savvy moves, including key signings and an impressive draft.

Among the most discussed moves was the trade of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions, alongside two sixth-round picks, in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick.

Tampa Bay used that pick to draft wide receiver Jalen McMillan from the University of Washington.

Now, 10 games into the 2024 season, it’s clear the Buccaneers made a misstep. Carlton Davis has been playing at a Pro Bowl level with the Lions, who are one of the NFL’s hottest teams, while the Buccaneers’ defense has struggled mightily.

As a result, Tampa Bay’s defense is on pace for one of its worst seasons in recent memory, regularly being carved up by opposing quarterbacks.

On the flip side, Jalen McMillan, the player the Buccaneers hoped would bolster their offense, has been a non-factor thus far.

He’s battled injuries, has appeared in just five games, and has recorded only 10 receptions for 109 yards and a single touchdown.

Davis, drafted by the Buccaneers in 2018 as the 63rd overall pick, spent six seasons in Tampa Bay.

He quickly became a starter and was a key contributor during their Super Bowl-winning 2020 campaign, even posting a career-high four interceptions that season.

In 2022, Davis signed a three-year, $44.5 million contract extension with the Buccaneers.

However, that contract was ultimately restructured to a one-year, $14.5 million deal when he was traded to the Lions.

Injuries had always been a concern for Davis, as he never played a full season in Tampa Bay.

He missed a career-high seven games in 2021, followed by four games in 2022 and five games in 2023. However, 2024 has been a different story.

Davis has been healthy and has played in all nine of Detroit’s games, helping them to an 8-1 record as they look like strong Super Bowl contenders.

The Lions’ only loss came in a Week 2 game against the Buccaneers, and they are poised to make a deep playoff run.

Despite the success Davis has found in Detroit, he hasn’t taken the opportunity to criticize his former team. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Davis made it clear that he harbors no ill will toward the Buccaneers.

“It’s not personal for me, at all,” Davis said. “I could never get personal with these type of games, because it’s all business.

They’re just the next opponent in our way and it’s a long journey.”

He went on to express his fondness for his former teammates but reiterated that on game day, it’s all about business.

As for the Buccaneers, the trade has not worked out in their favor. Heading into their Week 11 bye, Tampa Bay is on a four-game losing streak and has a disappointing 4-6 record.

More concerning is their defense, which ranks 31st in the league, allowing 21 passing touchdowns through the first 10 games—placing them 30th overall in that category.

At the time of the trade, the move to acquire a draft pick and a young wide receiver like McMillan may have seemed like a reasonable decision, especially with the belief that Davis’ injury history would limit his future impact.

However, with the Buccaneers struggling defensively and McMillan failing to contribute significantly, it’s clear that they may have given up on a player who could have been key to their future success.

Carlton Davis’ strong performance in Detroit has underscored the Buccaneers’ defensive shortcomings this season, and it’s a situation that may be difficult for Tampa Bay to reverse in the near future.