While it seems likely that the Buccaneers have already made their decision for their quarterback in 2020, here is an analysis of some other options.
To keep things simple and fun, below is a breakdown of the optimal price that allows the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to bring in these possible free agent quarterbacks. The goal is for the Bucs, in these scenarios, to be cap-flexible. If a QB is currently not a free agent, there will be a trade with the cap number listed.
Jameis Winston – Franchise Tag-$26.9 million
After the 2019 season ended, it was leaked that Winston and his camp are seeking $30+ million per season. Whether this is true or not, given the QB market trending upwards after each extension that is signed in the offseason, it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility that Licht, the Glazers, and Arians are considering an extension of 3-5 years.
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If the front office and staff truly believe the turnovers with Jameis can be fixed, then in 2 years $30 million is probably a bargain.
With that being said, the franchise tag seems to be the best course of action for both parties at this time. Jameis will receive a nice raise on a one year contract, where if he takes that next step and cuts down on the turnovers, he could be looking at $35-40 million per year next season.
If the Bucs were able to resign Winston at a $25 million per year extension that would be the best for Tampa Bay, but $28 mil per year seems to be the floor at this time as it likely is the middle ground for both sides.
Philip Rivers – 2 years $30 million a year
There has been a lot of Rivers to Tampa speculation since the Senior Bowl. The reports seem very credible and understandable as Bruce Arians has had nothing but glowing things to say about Rivers over the years.
If the Bucs decide to move on from Jameis, Rivers is the next best option on the market in terms of fit and value. The $30 million seems like a hefty price, but in free agency you pay what the market dictates.
There’s speculation that Rivers can be taken for under $30 million depending on where you look, but ultimately if Brady returns to NE, then the Colts seem to be the best fit financially and team-wise for Rivers so there will be a bidding war.
$30 million may be the number the Colts aren’t willing to do as they still have Jacoby Brissett on their roster and are in a prime position to draft Jordan Love as well if that’s the direction they’d like to go.