Buccaneers trade for G Rishaw Johnson; out as potential trade partners for Alex Boone?

Whenever something guard-related happens around the league, it's pertinent information for us here at Niners Nation. That's because Alex Boone is still holding out for a contract and trade rumors have started to circulate, though it's looking more and more likely that he won't be moved. Regardless, it's worth keeping up with guard-needy teams and what's going on, right?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the most offensive line-needy team in the league, made a trade for a guard on Thursday. That trade was with the Kansas City Chiefs, to whom they sent safety Kelcie McCray in exchange for guard Rishaw Johnson.

Johnson is not a player who suddenly overburdens the Buccaneers with offensive line talent. Trading for him certainly doesn't remove the Buccaneers as a potential trade partner for Boone, either. But he's another name in a battle that already has at least four others vying for the spot. If San Francisco's asking price is indeed high, then the Buccaneers are probably looking at a starting guard from the current group.

That group includes Oniel Cousins, Patrick Omameh, Kadeem Edwards and Jamon Meredith in addition to Johnson. While Johnson hasn't done much in his career -- he had three appearances and one start last season -- the other guys don't exactly inspire a whole lot of confidence. So Johnson could wind up being the guy that removes a need for Boone after all.

The folks over at Bucs Nation seem to think Johnson has what it takes to win the starting job, for what it's worth. That post is well worth a read so check it out. At the end of the day, I'm conflicted on how Johnson will do and what this trade means ... but I also think the Buccaneers just seemed like ... too perfect a fit for Boone. It's just so convenient, right?

What do you guys think?