Expect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers To Seek Out A Quarterback This Offseason
By Leo Howell
Oct 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) warms up before a gam against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have still never found their franchise quarterback. Through the history of the franchise, there are more stories of failed signal callers and disappointments under center than at any other position.
The most recent disaster story, Josh Freeman, gave way to Mike Glennon early in the 2013 season, and it’s Glennon who sits atop the depth chart heading into Lovie Smith’s first year in Tampa Bay.
And while there are certainly options in the draft at the position, there may not be a worthy quarterback around when the Buccaneers pick at the seventh selection. But whether or not the Buccaneers spend their top pick on a quarterback, one thing is fairly certain.
There will be a new quarterback in Tampa next season.
Jason Licht, the new GM of the Buccaneers, spoke with 98.7 The Fan in Tampa and was asked about the weaknesses on his team. When pass rushers were brought up, he compared pass rushers to quarterbacks, and said you can never have enough of either.
"“I don’t think you can ever pass on a pass rusher, regardless if you’ve got those on your team or not. Just like a quarterback. You’re always looking for that next Tom Brady. You might have a franchise quarterback on your hands, but you always have to prepare for the future.”"
Licht was a member of the New England scouting staff when the team drafted Tom Brady in the sixth round, so he’s aware of how a team can be changed by adding the right guy under center. And while it’s unlikely that the Buccaneers are going to find another Tom Brady in the late rounds in 2014, they will at least provide depth at the QB position and bring competition for Mike Glennon.
Because as Licht said, you’re always looking for that Tom Brady. Even if it’s in a slightly different form.
You don’t have to search hard to find a story about Russell Wilson lately, as the second-year quarterback has led his team to the Super Bowl to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Wilson was a third-round pick who was slated to sit behind Matt Flynn before winning the job and becoming one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The Seahawks paid well to bring in Flynn, but remained diligent and got a quarterback they liked in the draft as well.
It’s clearly paid off.
So while we may not see Blake Bortles or Teddy Bridgewater in Tampa this season, you can almost certainly bet on the presence of a new face or two under center during the 2014 preseason.