CBS Sports Latest Mock Draft Replaces Buccaneers' Free Agent Baker Mayfield
This time last year if we told you the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were drafting a quarterback to replace Baker Mayfield most would've asked how many games Kyle Trask got to play in first.
Now, after an NFC South Division title and a trip to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs - on top of hiring an offensive coordinator that seems tailormade to coach Mayfield - the questions are more likely to be about how the Buccaneers messed up negotiations and allowed the quarterback to leave in the first place.
But these things do happen, and even a general manager as strong as Jason Licht has been in Tampa Bay can lose a negotiation or two.
Oct 22, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts after a run against the Atlanta Falcon in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
If that happens, then the Bucs may be forced to consider a quarterback in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, and the guy they may land could be the Washington Huskies' leader, Michael Penix Jr.
"Bruce Arians is no longer the head coach in Tampa Bay," says Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports. "But he still holds a lot of power as a senior adviser to GM Jason Licht. And one QB who he has gushed over is Michael Penix Jr. In this mock, the Buccaneers get the all clear about Penix's medicals and draft the Washington signal-caller to replace Baker Mayfield in 2024."
By drafting Penix the Buccaneers miss out on other prospects like LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. who could be brought in to learn behind and with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin while adding a powerful third option to Mayfield's arsenal.
They also miss out on some defensive contributors Tampa Bay could potentially use like cornerback Nate Wiggins (Clemson) or edge rusher Chop Robinson (Penn State).
So the decision, and the process within it, to secure the services of Mayfield as the future leader of this Bucs team is not a singular one.
It's one that has far-reaching ramifications on the players involved, the amateurs about to turn pro, and the Buccaneers franchise as a whole.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
