Buccaneers: Reid Sinnett should get the nod over Ryan Griffin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t have much QB controversy heading into 2020

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t have much of a competition brewing at quarterback, but there is still one question to be answered at the position.

The Buccaneers have their starter at quarterback in Tom Brady and that goes without saying. Brady, who signed a two-year deal worth $50 million with Tampa Bay, is looking to bring the franchise back to the postseason for the first in 12 seasons.

But what about behind the six-time Super Bowl winner?  Well, that answer seems to already be in place, as well.

Blaine Gabbert has received the majority of snaps with the second-string and it would seem almost a given at this point that he’s going to be the backup, so that presents just two more questions:

1. Will the Buccaneers carry three QBs on the active roster?
2. Who wins the third-string battle?

It would benefit the Buccaneers to go with the rookie in this situation

So, let’s look at the first question. In a normal year, it would probably be a given that the Buccaneers would carry three QBs on the 53-man roster, but this isn’t a normal year.

Some would argue that it’s imperative to have three QBs on the active roster due to COVID-19 and how the virus can spread so quickly, however, what about other positions? There is always room to promote someone from the practice squad if a QB room gets decimated and that’s why it may very well benefit the Bucs to carry just two QBs on the active roster and keep that last roster spot for a player who can benefit a position room that needs added depth.

Now, onto the second question: There’s a clearly defined pecking order and Ryan Griffin is ahead of rookie Reid Sinnett when it comes to the battle for the third-team position. Having a veteran like Griffin on the practice squad- or even on the roster as a backup- may very well prove to be an asset because of his knowledge, but the truth of the situation is simple: Griffin’s ceiling is on the practice squad. Sinnett’s ceiling has yet to be determined.

In a year like this where, honestly, you’re not going to win without Tom Brady anyway, wouldn’t it make more sense to go with the rookie, see what he can do on the practice team and bring him up to the active squad if needed? Parting ways with Griffin would save the Buccaneers a little more in cap room, as well, not that it would be any type of major saving.

The more we look at practice, the more it’s apparent that Sinnett’s physical abilities are better than Griffin’s. He can be brought along in the system during the season and would give the Bucs at least some kind of option for the future as they look for answers post-Tom Brady.