Just three weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 season had a lot of promise. Baker Mayfield looked like a veritable MVP candidate. The team seemed to have a lot of chemistry across the board. And a top-heavy NFC South was right there for the taking. But then star receiver Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and the Buccaneers were also, unfortunately ... hamstrung by Mike Evans' hamstring injury. To add insult to injury, the rival Atlanta Falcons are now clearly in the driver's seat in the division.

Factor in a porous defense that hasn't really stopped anyone all season, and it's fair to wonder whether this Buccaneers campaign is about to go off the rails.

Below is a list of potential trades the Buccaneers should really consider making before the November 5 trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon. By no means will they "save" Tampa Bay's season, but plugging the holes in their sinking ship could keep them afloat enough to compete for a Super Bowl berth in a weak NFC. Because this Tampa Bay team, at its best, still might have that ceiling.

Let's break it down.

1. WR Kendrick Bourne, New England Patriots

It wouldn't make too much sense for the Patriots to take away a weapon from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, but the organization is in full-on rebuild mode. Recouping a late-round draft selection from a Buccaneers team that is really trying to win now wouldn't be the worst idea. Bourne would be able to slot right into the Tampa Bay offense as a trusted safety valve for Mayfield.

2. WR Mike Williams, New York Jets

Williams has languished in a Jets offense struggling to gain any consistent traction and does not appear to be one of Aaron Rodgers' favorites. At all. Sending New York an early Day 3 pick for the experienced veteran would be in Tampa Bay's best interests, as it could certainly find a better way to wring something useful out of him.

3. CB Tre'Davious White, Los Angeles Rams

Once a Pro Bowl-caliber talent, injuries have sapped away much of White's effectiveness in recent years. It's to the point where he's not even a starter as a reclamation project for the Rams. Given how inept the Buccaneers' back end has been, they could do a lot worse than a player like White, who might still show off difference-making ability in the right situation.

4. WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers

Thielen hasn't played in a game this year since Week 3 because of a lingering hamstring injury. But even when he returns, it would behoove the rebuilding Panthers to move the veteran after already offloading Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens. The 34-year-old Thielen isn't quite what he once was in his heyday, but he did catch over 100 passes and 1,000 yards in 2023, even in a diminished role as an older player. I find it hard to believe he couldn't channel some vet savviness to contribute to the Buccaneers.

5. CB Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns

A former first-round pick, Newsome is no longer a Browns starter after some glaring struggles. Even still, he's talented, just 24, and could have Pro Bowl potential if empowered in a healthy situation. Like, say, with Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Buccaneers trade options as they try to keep Super Bowl chances afloat in weak NFC