Bucs Trade Gaines Adams to Bears

The Tampa Bay Bucs chose defensive end Gaines Adams as the fourth overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. But after two seasons and five games, his career in Tampa is finished. The Bucs traded Gaines to the Chicago Bears for a second round pick in next year’s Draft.

Gaines Adams traded to Chicago Bears / Image: Zuma Press

Gaines was widely considered one of the “faces” of the Tampa Bay franchise—hey, he was even one of four players who modeled the throwback orange creamsicle unis this season—so this comes as a shock in that sense. But when you look at his lack of production (13.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 37 games)—and head coach Raheem Morris’ no-nonsense (and no-patience) style—I can’t say I’m surprised that the Bucs chose to beat the NFL trading deadline by four days in dealing Gaines.

Coach Morris put the handwriting on the wall just a few weeks ago:

“He hasn’t (put forth the production), and I think Gaines knows that. Gaines is one of those guys that knows that he is judged on whether he touches the quarterback or not. Right now he is not getting production as far as not just touching the quarterback, the tackles, the sacks. He’s not getting any of that. He is not playing up to par right now. He’s holding himself accountable. We have to hold him accountable, and it is tough right now. He is not getting it done. There are no excuses. There are no explanations. Gaines is not getting it done right now.”

I’m not sure this deal makes a lot of sense for the Bears. They get a young defensive end with a lot of potential. But it’s just potential. And he’s not going to start ahead of Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown. So, why would you give up a second round pick for an unproven, backup defensive end?

I hope I’m wrong, but Gaines’ best football might already be behind him. His numbers have been declining. And when you consider what the Bears are giving up (the aforementioned second round Draft pick), I think it’s too much of a risk—especially because with this deal complete, they are now without a first and second round selection in next year’s Draft. Remember, they let go of their number one pick in 2010 when they acquired Jay Cutler from Denver. Gaines Adams better have a tremendous career turnaround to justify this kind of commitment by the Bears.

Sources: PewterReport.com, ChicagoBears.com