Bucs followers could not need to hear this, however they no less than have to think about what their favourite might appear like with out Baker Mayfield as their quarterback.
Negotiations are ongoing between the Bucs and Mayfield, although neither aspect is shut simply but. Every day that goes by means we’re getting nearer to Mayfield hitting free company, which opens up the bidding course of involving different groups.
There have been stories of different groups having curiosity within the quarterbacked who noticed a profession resurgence final season, so Mayfield can have his choices. The query that must be requested – that nobody in Tampa needs to say outloud – is what do the Bucs do at quarterback if Mayfield indicators someplace else in free company?
We’re all properly conscious that backup Kyle Trask is a chance. The previous second-round decide is getting into the ultimate yr of his contract and couldn’t win the beginning job over Mayfield final season.
The Bucs might draft a quarterback in April, which is what PewterReport’s Scott Reynolds highlighted in a latest article on PewterReport.com when discussing the 4 quarterbacks that the Bucs had a proper assembly with on the NFL Scouting Mix final week and the opposite sign caller that the staff met with informally.
Veteran QB Choices For Bucs
There may be yet one more route the Bucs might go in the event that they needed to discover a substitute for Baker Mayfield, and that’s signing a veteran free agent. Tampa Bay would hope lightning might strike twice by discovering a quarterback that may have the quantity of success that Mayfield did final yr.
On Wednesday’s Pewter Report Podcast, we listed the High 10 quarterbacks accessible in free company whereas specializing in a few totally different of various choices.
For instance, the percentages are low that the Bucs would pursue veteran Kirk Cousins, who turns 36 this yr and is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, so we didn’t discuss him a lot. Nonetheless, there have been a few different quarterbacks that we did spend extra time on, which we’ll discuss subsequent.
You’ll be able to watch the video under for that portion of the Pewter Report Podcast:
The most important identify that involves thoughts is Russell Wilson, who was simply launched by the Denver Broncos. For the Bucs, they must determine in the event that they really feel their roster is only a veteran quarterback away from persevering with to be a playoff contender. If that’s the case, then there’s some attraction with Wilson because of his expertise. And he would come on a budget, because the Broncos will nonetheless paying him some huge cash this season.
Colts QB Gardner Minshew – Photograph by: USA Right now
Wilson’s draw back is that his play is declining and has a fame for having an perspective that hasn’t been properly acquired by his former teammates in Seattle or in Denver. Possibly his launch by Denver humbles Wilson a bit and he tries to get his profession again on monitor with what is probably going his final alternative to take action as a starter.
It doesn’t damage to have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to throw to, as they’ll make any quarterback look good. Additionally remember the fact that Wilson is 35 and never each quarterback ages gracefully. Would the Bucs be getting an ageless marvel like Tom Brady once more, or how Brett Favre performed in his first yr with the Vikings late in his 30s? Or would it not be extra like when Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan performed for the Colts?
If age is a matter for Wilson, than it’s the identical drawback for nearly each quarterback in free company besides for 2. Gardner Minshew is the primary that involves thoughts. He has a propensity to sling the rock and has began a number of video games in his profession for the Jaguars and Colts.
Minshew began 13 video games for Indianapolis final season, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions whereas posting a 7-6 file. Minshew shall be 28 in Could, which makes him the youngest accessible quarterback with beginning expertise.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Photograph by: USA Right now
The opposite youthful quarterback choice in comparison with gamers like Wilson and Joe Flacco is Jameis Winston, who turned 30 in January. Winston’s historical past with the Bucs is properly documented, and he’s doubtless not an choice. However the sheer leisure worth of Winston returning to Tampa Bay can be off the charts.
One other quarterback I wouldn’t thoughts seeing the Bucs kick the quarterback tires on is Tyrod Taylor. He’s a journeyman quarterback that has been within the league for 13 seasons and has performed for the Ravens, Payments, Browns, Chargers, Texans and Giants. Taylor actually isn’t going to be a franchise quarterback for the Bucs, however as a stop-gap quarterback he’s a chance. Taylor made a Professional Bowl in 2015 and has began 58 profession video games with a fair file of 28-28-1.
As a result of Taylor has thrown 65 touchdowns and simply 29 interceptions, he isn’t a turnover machine. He has at all times had the flexibility to run the ball, evidenced by 2,268 speeding yards and 19 profession touchdowns. Taylor would no less than give the Bucs a practical offense with him underneath middle.
One other Bucs’ QB Competitors If Baker Mayfield Leaves?
Ideally, heading into this yr’s coaching camp the Bucs would have a trio of Kyle Trask, a brand new rookie quarterback and a brand new veteran that was simply talked about all in competitors to win the beginning job if Baker Mayfield have been to depart Tampa Bay and signal elsewhere in free company.
This isn’t precisely what Tampa Bay needs, nevertheless it’s the scenario the staff might discover itself in if Mayfield and the Bucs can’t comply with phrases. Likelihood is that Mayfield re-signs, however the Bucs want a backup plan in case the state of affairs doesn’t play out of their favor.
Catch the entire episode of the Pewter Report Podcast – energized by CELSIUS – the place we discuss Mayfield’s free company.
