The Bucs gained by trading Adams

October 17, 9:24 AMTampa Bay Buccaneers ExaminerJ.J. Rodriguez

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The trade, much like the team itself, won't make an impact this season. Its significance won't be measured by wins and losses or hurries and sacks in '09, but rather by added financial flexibility and an extra 2nd round draft pick in 2010.

The colossal disappointment that is Gaines Adams has come and went, and in his wake, he has given the Bucs something by not being here that he never could when he laced 'em up every Sunday: hope for the future. You see, it became apparent after about a season and a half that Gaines wasn't going to develop into the premier pass rusher that the Bucs had envisioned. Most would agree that barring a mid-season epiphany, Gaines was likely on his way out at season's end anyhow, so give GM Mark Dominik major kudos for getting any compensation at all for Adams' services.

The Bears, the team that acquired Adams, didn't make out too bad either. Sure, they give up a second rounder for a DE that has more resembled Betty White than Reggie White, but nevertheless, given their coaching staff--notably defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, they could end up with the better end of this deal when it's all said in done. Gaines is only 26 years old, so the pendulum of time isn't exactly swinging over his career quite yet. If he can be coached up by arguably the best     d-line coach of the past 10+ years, Adams could salvage his career and begin to silence those who have labeled him a first round bust.

For the Bucs, the move signals that 2009 is a rebuilding season afterall. At 0-5, the Bucs are unlikely to run the table and make the playoffs anyways, so shedding more salary cap money and acquiring an additional draft pick for next spring are a few small consolation prizes for an otherwise forgettable season.

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