Veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon spent years chasing Tom Brady and trying to take him down as a member of the New York Jets. Now, he will join him in Tampa Bay.
According to multiple reports, the Jets traded McLendon to Buccaneers late on Sunday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2022. As part of the deal, Tampa will also get a seventh-rounder in 2023.
McLendon started all six games for the Jets this season, including the game against Miami Dolphins that took place hours before the trade. He combined for 14 tackles in 2020 so far.
The news comes as a surprise, considering that Steve McLendon was the longest-tenured member of the Jets’ roster. He joined the organization in 2016 and played a total of 65 games in which he contributed with 7.5 sacks, 158 tackles, and 17 QB hits.
With the Jets being 0-6 and heading nowhere, it made sense for the team to trade McLendon and try to get some assets for him. This was especially the imperative since the 34-year-old is set to become a free agent in the offseason.
Bucs, on the other hand, need depth on nose tackle with Rakeem Nunez-Roches not being the most reliable option for them. McLendon could be a much better fit, especially since he is familiar with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles from their time together at Jets.
