10 quarterbacks who could be the Bucs' starter in 2024

3. Kirk Cousins, FA

Speaking of the Vikings, Kirk Cousins is now out for the season of course, and is set to become a free agent after this season. Minnesota fans might be split on whether or not to bring him back, but the fact is, Cousins has been a very good quarterback for the Vikings, and if they don't bring him back, he could make another team very happy.

Cousins would fit well with the Bucs and the type of offense they would like to run, with Chris Godwin and Trey Palmer at least locked in and Mike Evans potentially returning. Cousins is 35 years old and has seven career 4,000-yard passing seasons. He would make sense only if the Bucs felt like they had enough to compete for a title, and I'm not so sure Tampa Bay is quite there yet. Next offseason will be telling.

4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Now, we get into some of the 2024 quarterback class. First up is J.J. McCarthy, who could wind up being a second or third-round pick in next year's draft. McCarthy has proven he can make many of the NFL throws teams are looking for in their next franchise quarterback, and the Michigan Wolverine also offers prototypical size.

Standing 6-foot-3 and more of a slender frame, McCarthy could add a bit of weight but is also fairly mobile. He isn't necessarily a dual-threat, but McCarthy is quick enough to evade the pocket and use his legs to pick up some extra yardage. As a Day 2 pick, he would be well-worth looking into, but the Bucs might want to have a veteran there to start right away as he develops.