Can Jalen Ramsey save the Bucs' secondary?

A shutdown corner would help a porous pass defense, but at what cost?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a full Jekyll & Hyde situation on defense through four games of the 2019 regular season.

Against the run, they're a seemingly impenetrable fortress, shutting down the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Todd Gurley over the last three weeks. A healthy Vita Vea, a re-energized (and finally properly used) William Gholston, and the newly acquired Ndamukong Suh have made a huge difference, as has a more aggressive scheme from new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

Against pass, however, it's a different story for the Tampa Bay defense.

In Week 3, the Bucs were shredded by New York Giants rookie Daniel Jones in his first NFL start. In Week 4, Tampa Bay surrendered a career-high 517 yards to the Los Angeles Rams and Jared Goff.

The Bucs have invested a truckload of early picks in recent drafts to rebuild the secondary, but inexperience and injuries are still a problem. Former top-15 pick Vernon Hargreaves III is finally healthy, but he's been inconsistent at best so far this year. Last year's pair of second-round picks, Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart have struggled more than they've succeeded. 2017 second-round pick Justin Evans has spent far more time in the training room and on the sideline than making plays on the field due to multiple nagging injuries.

This year's draft brought another influx of secondary talent in the form of Sean Murphy-Bunting (second round), Jamel Dean (third round) and Mike Edwards (third round). Edwards has taken over Evans' starting role, but Dean has been injured, and Murphy-Bunting has seen very little action outside of special teams.

The lone stud in the group has been safety Jordan Whitehead, a fourth-round pick from the 2017 draft.

So, what can save this wet-tissue pass defense?

Jalen Ramsey, perhaps?

It's no secret the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't exactly seeing eye-to-eye with their star cornerback. He wants a trade, but the Jags don't want to part with one of the league's best corners without a huge return. Who can blame them?

It would likely cost at least a first-round pick for the Bucs to pluck Ramsey from their fellow in-state franchise, but should the team invest yet another premium pick in the secondary, when other needs are also pressing?

The Bucs need to address the right side of the offensive line this offseason, with second-year guard Alex Cappa still learning the ropes after making the jump from Humboldt State, and veteran right tackle Demar Dotson dealing with injuries on a regular basis. Another edge rusher to pair with Shaq Barrett would also be nice, considering Jason Pierre-Paul's restructured contract ties him to the team only through this season.

There's also the matter of Ramsey's contract situation. His cap number is set to double next season on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, putting him just under $14 million for the 2020 season. He'll also be seeking a long-term extension that would make him potentially the highest-paid corner in the league.

For a Bucs team that likely has a long-term extension for quarterback Jameis Winston on the horizon, as well as the pleasant surprise of Barrett now requiring the same, there may not be enough money to go around if Ramsey is added to the mix.

There's no doubt Ramsey would make an immediate impact on the field. If the Bucs can pry him away from the Jags for less than their preferred asking price, it could be a huge bargain. 

But that's a big if.

If the Jags continue to drive a hard bargain and hold Ramsey hostage, the Bucs might be forced to pass on the opportunity. He's a special player, but spending more than a first-round pick might not be worth it for a team that needs much more than one player to become a contender.