Riggo's Rag
FanSided

3 players the Redskins should consider trading for ahead of the 2018 trade deadline

By Jacob Camenker

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 17: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball as Leonard Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills and Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills attempt to tackle him during the fourth quarter on December 17, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 17: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball as Leonard Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills and Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills attempt to tackle him during the fourth quarter on December 17, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles wide receiver David Moore #83 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles wide receiver David Moore #83 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Linebacker. Cardinals. Deone Bucannon. 1. player. 32.

One of the reasons that hiring Steve Wilks was such an interesting choice for the Cardinals was that Wilks runs a 4-3 defense. Under Bruce Arians and James Bettcher, the Cardinals had been running a 3-4 defense for the better part of their short run as playoff contenders. That meant that some pieces may no longer fit in, and Deone Bucannon appears to be part of that group.

In Bettcher’s 3-4 alignment, Bucannon served as a linebacker/safety hybrid that is becoming more and more popular in the NFL. Bucannon had been a safety during his college days, but moving him closer to the line of scrimmage made him a versatile all-around player and allowed him to have an impact in coverage and as a player who could quickly react in the run game.

In each of his first four seasons in the league, Bucannon recorded at least 82 tackles. This year, he only has 11 and has lost his starting job. He just doesn’t fit nearly as well into the 4-3 alignment, and that has led to some speculation that he could be traded.

If Bucannon is moved, the Redskins would be a natural fit. Their linebackers haven’t been great in coverage, so adding a guy like Bucannon — who would add solid play in that area while still being very good in the run game — could provide the team a boost.

Next. Redskins vs. Giants matchups to watch, score prediction. dark

Because Bucannon is set to be a free agent after the season, acquiring him wouldn’t be very costly. He doesn’t fit in with the Cardinals, and they’ll probably be happy to get anything for him. A fifth-round pick could get the job done, and the Redskins should absolutely be interested in him if the Cardinals make him available.

Home/Commanders News