Many Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are still holding on to the dream of signing a big-name free agent at QB, but it’s time to move past that.
ESPN’s league sources are saying that the Buccaneers have shown interest in several big-name quarterback free-agents, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater.
The Buccaneers are clearly exploring all of their options when it comes to filling the QB position and are leaving no stone unturned as they further evaluate whether or not to bring Jameis Winston back and who could be a replacement for Winston if they chose to move on from the QB they drafted just a few short years ago.
Though many fans of the Bucs would love to see a Brees, Brady or Bridgewater walk through those doors, the truth is that it’s just not going to happen.
The Buccaneers are not prepared to give up that much salary space to bring in one of those three on a short-term deal with a mind’s eye on the future. In the same light, all three of those quarterbacks are looking for much more than a team they can compete for the playoffs on.
If Brady, Brees or Bridgewater choose to leave their current situation, it will be for a big market where they can potentially build their brand much more outside of football.
That’s why those markets like Los Angeles and Las Vegas are so attractive.
Am I saying the Buccaneers couldn’t land any of these three big-name QBs? No. There’s always a chance.
But it’s going to be much more beneficial for Tampa Bay fans to look at the realistic options– bringing Winston back, signing Philip Rivers or maybe Ryan Tannehill, or drafting a young QB- than to continue to look to the stars and hope for the best.
I know that many Tampa Bay fans have already moved on, but to the ones that haven’t: There’s nothing wrong with holding out hope, but there’s also a time to be realistic and move on.