The latest name to be bandied about as a possible trade to Tampa Bay is Lito Sheppard (CB, Philadelphia). Fox Sports says that Sheppard visited Tampa yesterday, but no one seems to be able to confirm it. Everyone does seem to be able to agree, though, that there are talks going on.
We've heard from two separate sources that no visit has taken place, but we can tell you there have been preliminary trade conversations involving the Bucs aimed toward bringing Sheppard to Tampa Bay.
The asking price for Sheppard last month was a second and a fifth round pick, and it really could have only gone down. It's a very real possibility that the Bucs could spend their first round pick on a cornerback, so even if that's still the price, it's a good deal for a six-year veteran with some excellent experience. The question is, do any of the first round cornerbacks in this year's draft have the potential to be better than Sheppard? I'd bet Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State) and Mike Jenkins (South Florida) will be, but will one of them be available at #20? Definitely not Rodgers-Cromartie; maybe Jenkins.
This one is a tough call. If I'm Bruce Allen, I probably wait until Saturday and see who falls to us. If another team gets him in the meantime, oh well. If not and I like my WR or DT options at #20, maybe I do it. 17 interceptions in six years is good, but not so elite that you have to get your panties in a bunch over the decision.
Comments (3)
Do you know what is left on his contract? I think a 2nd and a 5th isn't bad or maybe a player instead of the 5th rd pick. If we get L. Shepp do you think still trading out of the 1st round makes more sense?
Posted by TheBrainStem | April 25, 2008 8:10 AM
I am not all that high on Lito Shepphard. The reason the Eagles want to trade him is that he has trouble staying on the field. He has been injured each of the last three games. The injuries have included knee problems.
Posted by mark stephens | April 25, 2008 8:17 AM
I knew Sheppard had been injured, but I didn't realize the extend of his injuries until I looked it up. Now I think a second and fifth is probably too much.
Sheppard has four years left: $3.5M, $3M, $3.7M, $4.25M. Not ridiculous as long as he can stay healthy, but he would be making more than Ronde, who also got a smaller signing bonus than Sheppard when he signed. I'm not sure how well that would sit.
If the deal does go down, trading down makes even more sense. The talent in the draft doesn't change because they made a trade.
Posted by Scott
|
April 25, 2008 10:02 AM