Former NFL General Manager Thinks Buccaneers Will 'Surprise Some People' In 2023

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in their first season post-Tom Brady but one former NFL GM thinks they will "surprise some people."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a new era. Tom Brady has retired and the Buccaneers could be staring a rebuild right in the eyes. Caleb Williams, coveted college football quarterback, and Heisman winner will be available in the upcoming draft.

Yet, in the meantime, the Buccaneers will have a chance to stay somewhat competitive, and Rick Spielman, former Minnesota Vikings general manager, believes in what the team has right now.

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“Oh, I’m going to definitely go over 6.5 [wins]. I think they’re going to be battling New Orleans to win the NFC South,” Spielman said.

For the Buccaneers, achieving more than 6.5 wins is obtainable if they're getting productive snaps from Baker Mayfield consistently. As they've proven, the defense in Tampa Bay is going to do its job to ensure the team is in a position to compete, and Mayfield will be able to win some games because of it.

“Now I know Baker Mayfield’s gotta prove it, but I think Tampa’s defense is pretty good,” Spielman said. “And if they can establish the run game and do offensively what they were able to do in Seattle – if Canales can replicate that – they’re going to surprise some people. I was surprised when I went down there and watched; I’ll just say that.”

With a similar approach to the Seattle Seahawks, a Geno Smith-like resurgence from Mayfield could be on the horizon. Also, Rachaad White has mentioned his eagerness to achieve a 1,000+ rushing yards season. 

Mayfield will still be throwing to the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He's a solid leader that was able to shift the culture in Cleveland with the Browns. There's reason to believe the Buccaneers may be able to win the NFC South, especially given its poor competition over the course of the recent past seasons. 

Even if the Buccaneers over-succeed this season, there's a path to a young, fresh quarterback after one season if that's the direction the front office decides to take this franchise. 

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