Jacksonville acquired quarterback Luke McCown and received…
Jacksonville acquired quarterback Luke McCown and received limited service from him. He provided veteran depth and some game action, but he did not become a lasting answer for the Jaguars. Because the seventh-round pick sent to Tampa Bay became Dekoda Watson, who played four seasons for the Buccaneers, Jacksonville ended up with the weaker return.
Jacksonville Jaguars Received
- player Luke McCown
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2010 7th round pick (217th overall, Dekoda Watson )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 6, 2009, Tampa Bay sent quarterback Luke McCown to Jacksonville for a 2010 seventh-round pick. The Buccaneers later used that selection, No. 217, on linebacker Dekoda Watson. Jacksonville sought immediate veteran quarterback depth, while Tampa Bay accepted a very late future pick and turned it into a multi-season contributor.
Jacksonville Jaguars Return
McCown gave Jacksonville an experienced quarterback option and did provide some service, so the acquisition was not empty. His Jaguars tenure, however, remained limited and did not develop into a sustained starting solution. For a seventh-round cost, the risk was small, but the realized football value was also modest. That leaves Jacksonville with a below-average result rather than a damaging loss.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return
Watson substantially outperformed the normal expectations attached to the 217th overall pick. He spent four seasons with Tampa Bay, appeared in 60 games and contributed as both a linebacker and special-teams player. Turning a reserve quarterback into that amount of roster service is excellent late-round value, especially because the Buccaneers received multiple seasons from the selection.
Value in Hindsight
The trade illustrates why late-round picks can matter even when their initial value is small. Jacksonville paid a reasonable price for quarterback depth, but Tampa Bay converted that price into a player who remained useful for years. Watson's durability and 60 games create a clear separation from McCown's shorter Jaguars role without suggesting Jacksonville made an irrational move at the time.
Final Verdict
Jacksonville receives a C- and Tampa Bay receives a B. The Buccaneers win because Watson produced four seasons and 60 games of direct value from the acquired seventh-round pick, comfortably surpassing McCown's limited contribution in Jacksonville.