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4 quarterbacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target in free agency

By Jacob Holley

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the fourth quarter after being injured against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the fourth quarter after being injured against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

1. Ben Roethlisberger

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, it’s unlikely that Roethlisberger doesn’t end up re-signing with the Steelers at the end of the year.

But… There’s a chance.

The consensus among Steelers fans is that Mason Rudolph is the future of the team at quarterback. Rudolph has thrown for nine touchdowns and two interceptions this season and would be a great target for the Buccaneers to trade for, but other than that the Steelers have him locked up.

If Pittsburgh moves forward with Rudolph at the end of the season, they could decide that Roethlisberger being on the roster is not worth the money he’ll ask for to stay. The Buccaneers could easily sign him to a one or two-year deal for the same money they’d have to pay Jameis Winston if they resigned him, but Roethlisberger has the added benefit of being an all-around better quarterback with two Super Bowl rings.

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Roethlisberger could also retire as he’s threatened to do multiple times, but odds are he’d be privy to a new contract in order to earn more money before hanging up his cleats.

He’s aging, but Big Ben could be the best band-aid for the Bucs until they find their quarterback of the future. With the potential for moving on from Jameis Winston, a veteran who has experience with Bruce Arians is the best bridge option.

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