Tampa Bay acquired Keyshawn Johnson from the Jets for two…
Tampa Bay acquired Keyshawn Johnson from the Jets for two 2000 first-round picks, Nos. 13 and 27. Johnson became a Pro Bowler in Tampa, topped 1,200 receiving yards in 2001 and contributed to the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII championship. New York used the selections on John Abraham, a four-time Pro Bowler as a Jet, and Anthony Becht, a five-year starting tight end, giving the Jets greater long-term value.
New York Jets Received
- pick 2000 1st round pick (13th overall, John Abraham)
- pick 2000 1st round pick (27th overall, Anthony Becht)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Keyshawn Johnson
Trade Analysis
Tampa Bay entered the 2000 offseason with a championship-caliber defense and a clear need for a premier receiver. Keyshawn Johnson wanted out of New York, and the Buccaneers paid an unusually large price: the 13th and 27th selections in the 2000 draft. Johnson then signed a massive extension and immediately became the focal point of Tampa Bay's passing game. He caught 71 passes in 2000, made the Pro Bowl after a 1,266-yard season in 2001 and remained a major target during the 2002 Super Bowl run.
That championship matters when grading Tampa Bay. Johnson was not merely a statistical rental; he started all 16 games for the title team, caught 76 passes in the regular season and added important postseason production. His Buccaneers tenure ended awkwardly in 2003 after a conflict with coach Jon Gruden, limiting the longevity of the return, but Tampa Bay accomplished its ultimate organizational goal while Johnson was part of the core.
New York still extracted more durable value from the two selections. At No. 13, the Jets drafted defensive end John Abraham. Abraham became one of the league's premier edge rushers, recording 53.5 sacks in six Jets seasons and making four Pro Bowls with New York. At No. 27, the Jets selected tight end Anthony Becht, who started 74 games over five seasons for the club and provided reliable blocking and secondary receiving value. Together, those players gave the Jets far more years of controlled service than Johnson gave Tampa Bay.
This is therefore a strong Jets win without being a Buccaneers disaster. Two first-round picks for a veteran receiver created enormous expectations, and the Jets converted one of those selections into an elite pass rusher. But Johnson gave Tampa Bay four seasons, a Pro Bowl, a 1,200-yard campaign and a starting role on a Super Bowl champion. The Jets deserve the higher grade for turning one player into two long-term starters, while Tampa Bay receives credit for acquiring a piece that helped finish a championship roster.