No one expected former Miami Hurricanes star Rueben Bain Jr. to be available at No. 15 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and that definitely included the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So, not only does the Bain pick represent the chance of becoming the biggest steal of the draft, the latest news involving Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard makes the pick look even better than it did.

Eagles make blockbuster trade for Jonathan Greenard while Bucs should get a better deal with Rueben Bain Jr.

As the draft went on, the Eagles traded the 98th overall pick, a compensatory third-rounder, and a 2027 third-rounder in exchange for Greenard. The kicker is they also signed the accomplished pass rusher to a four-year, $100 million extension.

The key is the fact the Buccaneers were also in on Greenard, yet the patience paid off, as they avoided paying a huge deal and also got a potential steal in Bain Jr. at 15 and on a rookie contract.

And as our own Tyler Forness points out below, the compensation made sense. Meaning, the Buccaneers would’ve likely had to follow suit when it comes to the invested capital on the Eagles’ side of things.

“No matter what kind of defense you run, Jonathan Greenard is a great fit. He profiles best as a 4-3 DE with his 270 pound frame with over 35” arms and his best trait is getting off the ball quickly.

“That’s because he’s very good at bending the arc and/or attacking the inside shoulder of the offensive lineman. He’s also an explosive playmaker in both the pass game and run game.

“When it comes to cost, it’s an interesting discussion point. I think a first-round pick is ideal, but isn’t likely to happen.

“Regardless, what should occur is a second-round pick, plus one on day three. If they were to get a deal done, it wouldn’t be announced until the team agrees to a contract extension. That would have to be agreed upon quickly to facilitate a trade, something that likely won’t during the NFL Draft.”

Philly was the most consistent suitor throughout. Commanders pursued in March, the Bucs kicked tires on it, but in the end Philly gets a much-needed rusher. https://t.co/Rqq2v11tRG

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 25, 2026

Greenard is a great player, but Bain Jr. has more potential and costs far less. Therefore, it sets the Buccaneers up in a better spot both in the short- and long-term.

Sure, one can criticize Jason Licht for not being overly-aggressive outside the Tom Brady years, but this is definitely proof that playing the long game often leads to more success in the NFL.

In other words: Licht made the right call unless Greenard goes on to make NFL history over the next four years.