Tampa, Fla. – The New Tampa Bay Bookers defensive lineman Steve McLaughlin found out before the New York Jets game at the Miami Dolphins last Sunday that he was traded.
McLendon played in a 24-0 loss to the Jets, which is unusual for both emotional reasons and because of an injury the trade could be canceled. Especially when NFL deals happen before the game, players are disabled.
“I received news on Saturday night that a car was waiting for me after I arrived in Tampa after Sunday’s game.” “I was, ‘OK.’ On Sunday morning, I woke up, I prayed, and I was like, ‘This is one last ride.’ I told my boys, I was, ‘This is the last ride together.’ A lot of people were saying, ‘Man, are you really going to play?’ And I was like, ‘Man, this is the last time I’ve played with you in my career.’ I said, ‘Let’s go out here and make it nice. Let’s have some fun.’
“Even though we lost that day, he played some good football between us. When it was over he was emotional – very emotional – because I made so many good friends there and the family members there that I call family. Now.
“The biggest thing is that I am right now. This is the biggest opportunity for me in my career. And this is a great, great opportunity to be part of the organization that wants you at this age.”
McLendon was on the road in Miami without any additional luggage or means of transportation, which is why the car was provided. He immediately launched the Covid-19 test protocol – which has recently been extended to six consecutive days – so he will be eligible to play this weekend. If he had even waited a day to make the drive, he would not have been able to get a practice with the Buchananers on Friday or qualify to play Sunday against the Raiders.
Tampa Bay needed defensive action following an injury to starter Vita Via, and McLendon, 34, and in his 11th season, has played for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and defensive line coach Casey Rogers.
The Bowles insisted the Bucks outscored the Jets captain, who played 24 of 56 defensive tackles against the Dolphins. The Buccaneers dropped the sixth-round draft pick in 2022 and picked up the seventh-round pick in 2023.
“They asked me, and yes, I was standing at the table for her. We need depth there,” Bowle said. “It’s been a long season. With the men you have you will rarely go through the season. … It will help now, if not now down the line, [and] He was a good person to meet us. Anytime you can get a good player and a good person, you try to get him. “
The news did not come as a complete shock to McLendon. The Jets are in re-construction, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs by cutting back Livian Bell. But McLean admitted that it was difficult to adapt one last time.
“It was very emotional for me when the trade was done because I have so many family and friends there.” “But at the same time, I was also excited, not being able to win to be part of a winning organization – that’s always something you want to do. You have to be a winner. Remember you want to be a winner.”
Coach Bruce Arians said “no doubt” McLendon will be in the rotation of the Buccaneers’ defensive linemen on Sunday.
“I’m always going back, in Arizona, we signed Red Bryant on Thanksgiving and he played 22 plays on Sunday,” Arians said. “Steve has been in this defense. Both Todd and Casey coached him, so it’s an easy recall for him.”
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