2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Baker Mayfield-led Bucs have been one of the more pleasant surprises in this young season. Through five weeks, the Bucs are currently 3-1 and in first place in the NFC South standings. They’ve paired their top-10 defensive unit with a formidable offense that is capable of beating you through the air with their two stud wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
However, they have failed to get the run game going thus far through four games, but it hasn’t been for lack of effort. They currently rank No. 25 in the NFL in terms of yards per game (87), but 10th in rushing attempts per game (29.3). Barkley could help bring the balance and rushing attack this offense is sorely lacking and in search of.
Similar to the Bills, they too have a second-year running back in Rachaad White who has operated as a true three-down running back for his team thus far in 2023. White has shown glimpses, but he may be best suited in a complementary role rather than a workhorse role.
White has averaged 3.3 yards per carry (the league average is roughly 4.3) on 15.75 carries per game. In a wide-open and very winnable division, the Bucs have a chance to turn a feel-good story into a legitimate postseason team if they trade for Barkley.