The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a tough situation after former first round pick and ascending defensive lineman Calijah Kancey suffered a season ending torn pec in Week 2.
While the Buccaneers still have a dominant, proven force in the middle with 2-time Pro Bowler Vita Vea, they will need some more help eventually. That help could come via a trade, and it just so happens another NFC team is dealing with its own uncomfortable situation on the defensive line and might be open to a move.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle and disappointing 2023 first round pick Mazi Smith has been a healthy scratch through the first 2 regular season games and seems like a prime candidate to be moved to another team.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox had Smith close to the top of his list of NFL trade candidates headed into Week 3, projecting his value as a 2026 sixth round pick — worth it for a contender with a sudden hole to fill.
“The arrival of Kenny Clark via the Micah Parsons trade has essentially made Smith an afterthought,” Knox wrote on September 16. “The fact that Dallas has a (mostly) new coaching staff this season does nothing to brighten his future with the franchise. However, Smith is a 6’3”, 337-pound defender, and size can’t be coached. He’s also just 24 years old and has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Teams looking for a rotational run-stopper or even a project to develop for the future should be willing to take a flier on him. The Cowboys should be willing to listen to any reasonable offer.
Kancey’s Injury Hard Pill To Swallow For Bucs
Kancey’s injury was so deflating because he seemed prime to become one of the NFL’s top interior defensive linemen in 2025. Instead, injuries have curtailed each of his 3 seasons since he was selected No. 19 overall in 2023 — just 7 picks ahead of Smith to the Cowboys.
“Sources: Bucs DT Calijah Kancey will miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury suffered on Monday night vs. the Texans,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on September 16. “The former first-round pick is a huge piece of Tampa’s defense.”
“An MRI just now confirmed #Buccaneers DT Calijah Kancey tore his pec last night, source says,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account. “He will need surgery and his season is over.”
How Things Went Bad For Smith In Dallas
The writing was on the wall for Smith headed into 2025 in Dallas after he had just 2.0 sacks while playing all 34 regular season games for the Cowboys in his first 2 seasons, including 20 starts.
Smith is in the third season of a 4-year, $13.27 million rookie contract.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder actually called Smith the “Worst First Round Pick” for the Cowboys in the last 5 years.
“(Offensive tackle) Tyler Guyton is threatening to take Smith’s spot here after struggling as a rookie,” Holder wrote on June 26. “However, the latter has had more time to get his feet wet in the NFL and still looks like a fish out of water. The Michigan product was drafted to help stop the run but has earned run-defense grades in the 30s from Pro Football Focus in his two seasons.”
Trade Prediction Brings Buccaneers $13 Million Former First Round Pick