When Tom Brady announced his decision to come back for the 2022 NFL season, the Buccaneers breathed a sigh of relief. It lasted just one year, sinceTampa Bay will finally have to replace 7x Super Bowl in 2023.
His return to the gridiron may have not gone according to plan, since theBucswere eliminated in the Wild Card round by theDallas Cowboysafter finishing the regular season with a losing record.
Even so, Brady’s departure means a huge blow for the organization. While Tampais facing a complicated salary cap situation, replacing such a legendaryquarterback is the toughest task you can imagine for any team. These signal-callers could be among the candidates to take over in 2023.
Kyle Trask
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Though on paper this would be a major downgrade, the Buccaneers may consider promoting from within given that theirsalary cap situation next year is not pretty at all. Since Blaine Gabbert is not getting any younger, the Bucs may try their luck with Kyle Trask.
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Florida product has yet to make a name for himself in the NFL – he made his first appearance in 2022, completing 3 passes for 29 yards in the season finale loss to the Falcons. That said, Trask knows the offense and may have learned a thing or two about Brady all these years.
Jacoby Brissett
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Another realistic target for the Buccaneers if Brady leaves, Jacoby Brissett could be a better option if they want experience. The 30-year-old quarterback is out of contract in 2023 and his salary wouldn’t be an obstacle.
After a rather disappointing stint with the Dolphins in 2021, Brissett did fine for the Cleveland Browns during Deshaun Watson’s suspension. At least while they figure out how to fix their salary cap for the future, Brissett could help them get through the year.
Jimmy Garoppolo
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Though Brady’s departure would leave the Bucs in a tough spot, they could still find a solution in Jimmy Garoppolo. His departure from San Francisco may have been delayed by a shoulder surgery last year, but now he looks ready to move away.
Jimmy G will probably be one of the biggest names on the QB free agency in 2023, but unlike other options, the Bucs could actually work out a dealwith him that fits in their salary cap. Garoppolo has plenty of experience, as well as deep playoff runs under his belt.
