5 options at QB if the Buccaneers lose Tom Brady to injury
By Rob Leeds
Without having to trade or break the bank, the Bucs could add free agent Blake Bortles to their roster and have one of the most reliable quarterback rooms in the NFL.
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Some fans may be quick to dismiss Bortles after last season as a backup in LA behind Jared Goff, but Bortles had an under-appreciated career during his five seasons with the Jaguars.
Over his time as a starter, Bortles posted 17,646 passing yards, 103 touchdowns against 75 interceptions, and 1,775 rushing yards with eight touchdowns.
There were times where Bortles was far from flashy, but there is no argument statistically that Bortles is worse than Gabbert. Gabbert has struggled more with injuries, is older, and is far less athletic than Bortles.
The Buccaneers could easily cut Gabbert, add Bortles, and not be on the hook for any more money while also having a vastly improved backup.
Bortles wouldn’t challenge Brady for the starting job, but he would be a clear improvement over any of the backups currently on the roster. Even in his worst seasons as a starter, Bortles was still clearly better than Gabbert, and for this reason, the Bucs should consider making a change.