Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Add Another Quarterback After Releasing Josh Freeman?

Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback

(6) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Washington Redskins during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Redskins won 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lost in the shuffle of Josh Freeman‘s release is the open roster spot created by sending the quarterback packing. The Buccaneers have a free spot on the team to add another player, but will it be another quarterback?

Let’s consider the options they have as a third QB, and the other positions they may address with the open roster slot.

Third QB Options

David Carr– Carr played under Mike Sullivan in New York, and therefore has a general idea of what the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator wants to do in terms of schemes and playcalling. Carr is nothing special, but don’t expect anything spectacular out of a third QB signed a month into the season.

Vince Young– Young is a more talented player than Carr, but there’s a reason he’s sitting on the free agent market, and not on a bench somewhere in the NFL. It’s clear there’s something causing 32 NFL GMs to pause before adding him to their team. He may want more money, or a chance to start, or simply have some serious on-the-field concern that makes him not as useful as he once was.

Tyler Thigpen– The pride of Coastal Carolina University, Thigpen is a former starter for Kansas City who now finds himself sitting at home waiting for a call from another NFL team. At his “best” he was not very accurate, so he’s also not going to offer much after failing to make a roster coming out of camp in 2013.

That one guy who went to Florida and played for the Broncos and Jets- No. Greg Schiano wants his team to leave the spotlight and take pressure off of him after a rough first month of the 2013 season. Signing this guy would bring an even bigger media circus to Tampa Bay, and  Schiano already has his future hitched to Mike Glennon.

Other Possible Additions

Tight End- The Buccaneers are currently down to only one completely healthy tight end, Tim Wright, after Nate Byham and Luke Stocker both found themselves on injured reserve. Tom Crabtree is on his way back to health, but will likely still have lingering effects from his high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason. There aren’t any really attractive options out there at tight end, but any veteran capable of catching the football should be a welcome addition.

Cornerback- There are a few decent corners left on the market, and with Rashaan Melvin continuing to deal with a hamstring injury, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add another corner to the roster. Especially if Keith Tandy is going to be shifting more into playing safety with the release of Ahmad Black.

Trade- I know this isn’t a specific position, but if the Buccaneers plan to trade a draft pick for a player, or a player for two players, they’ll need an open roster spot. They may be keeping their options open over the bye week and waiting to see if a trade materializes.