Buccaneers Interested in Multiple Free Agent Quarterbacks to Replace Tom Brady

It is no surprise to anyone in the NFL that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a quarterback problem they need to solve. After Tom Brady's retirement, the Buccaneers only had one quarterback on their roster, Kyle Trask.

The current coaching staff has shown confidence in moving forward with the aforementioned Trask, but it would be wise for them to go out into the free agency market and grab another quarterback to give him some sort of competition for the starting Bucs' gig.

It seems a given that Tampa Bay will go this route, but their options are limited due to their salary cap situation. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers have an interest in a slew of mid-tier NFL quarterbacks.

Bucs have an interest in free agents Baker Mayfield of the Rams, Jacoby Brissett of the Browns and even Blaine Gabbert, who backed up Brady in Tampa Bay. Drew Lock would seem a good fit from Seattle but there will be a big push for Mayfield as we address this a.m. https://t.co/OufQPVfvjT
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 12, 2023

Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, Blaine Gabbert, and even Drew Lock appear to be on the Buccaneers' radar come the opening of the free agency period this week.

Obviously, for Buccaneers' fans, these guys are a major drop off from the level of quarterback play Brady was able to give them, but at this point the pickings are slim. The Bucs must do whatever they can to snag one of the better options still out there as it doesn't appear they are overly confident in getting their next starting quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Baker Mayfield has somewhat resurrected his career after being pushed out of Cleveland and a below-average showing during his six games with the Carolina Panthers. Once Mayfield made it to the Los Angeles Rams last season, he was able to show some signs of old Baker as he started four games completing 82 passes for 850 yards and four touchdowns to just two interceptions. It was a short sample, but if Baker can find himself in a situation where he can succeed he may be the best of the options for the Bucs.

Brissett, now 30, has become one of those guys who is consistent, but never really flashy. Prior to Deshaun Watson taking over the starting gig, Brissett started 11 games for the Cleveland Browns last year, compiling 236 completions for 2,608 yards and 12 touchdowns. Brisset is capable of being a middle-tier NFL quarterback and bringing in a veteran like Brissett would also help Canales and company in the locker room.

As for the other two options, Lock and Gabbert, both haven't seen meaningful snaps as a starting quarterback in quite some time. Gabbert has spent the most recent portion of his career backing up Tom Brady, so he is familiar with how the organization works, which would provide for a seemingly seamless transition into the Bucs' new era.

On the other hand, Drew Lock, after having been run out of Denver has spent his most recent time with the Seattle Seahawks backing up Geno Smith. Lock, however unproven he is, has shown flashes of his abilities but has never gotten a fair shake as an NFL starting quarterback. His relationship with former Seahawks' quarterbacks coach and now Buccaneers' OC, Dave Canales, would definitely go a long way in making the connection.

The free agency period is only getting closer, so the Buccaneers need to do their due diligence in deciding who will be the right guy to possibly lead the ship in Tampa Bay.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.

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