The Pewter Plank
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cost prediction for 2020 QB options

By Kenneth Barrett

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field before halftime against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field before halftime against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Tom Brady– 2 years $35 million a year

In the end, Brady is most likely going to end up with New England, Indianapolis, or Las Vegas. New England is still a playoff-caliber team with him under center, the Colts have a solid foundation of talent and a lot cap space, and the Raiders seem to be willing to offer Brady the world to make the deal happen.

The Bucs would have to some how beat all the offers financially while also retaining the ability to re-sign their pending FA defensive talent, etc. That just seems like too steep of a price at this point to truly consider it an option. It’s a fun thought though.

Teddy Bridgewater– $23 million a year

At this time, Bridgewater is heavily speculated to either return to New Orleans if Drew Brees retires or go to LA with the Chargers if Brees is to stay. He would also be a nice fit in a Jon Gruden offense as well, but to replace Carr with Bridgewater wouldn’t make much sense at this time.

Bridgewater doesn’t profile as Bruce Arians quarterback, but there’s enough talent to modify the offense to Bridgewater’s strengths. Ultimately he may not be the direction the Bucs go for, but he is definitely an option worth exploring.

Andy Dalton– $17.7 mil cap number in 2020 (Trade our 4th round compensation pick to the Bengals

In terms of a trade scenario, this is the most realistic option there is for the Buccaneers. The Bengals don’t hold much leverage as they will most likely be drafting Joe Burrow in the upcoming NFL draft and Dalton figures to be either a bridge or a backup for the Bengals in 2020.

Unless other teams are willing to sweeten the offers for Dalton, getting a quality starter for a compensation pick is a win-win for both sides. The Buccaneers would save money on the position, Bengals shed salary for their new era, and an extra piece can be added for the Bucs to support Dalton.

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