The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a difficult time replacing Tom Brady.
He’s the game’s greatest winner and he led the team to victory in Super Bowl LV.
Having him under center always gave them a chance to win, regardless of who’s playing around him.
Now that he’s retired, the team is suddenly trying to find their next play-caller.
Big-name quarterbacks like reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson were floated as Brady’s potential replacement.
However, Tampa Bay Times’ reporter for the Buccaneers, Rick Stroud, updates that the chances of landing any of those players are little to none.
Pretty confident you can remove Russell Wilson from any wish list. For the #Bucs, since Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to be traded to NFC team if at all, it’s hoping Deshaun Watson’s legal issues disappear and convincing ownership he’s worth the scrutiny. Otherwise… https://t.co/5Wqz5mlitn
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 3, 2022
Stroud quoted a tweet by USA Today Sports talking about Pete Carroll’s declaration that the Seattle Seahawks have no intention of trading Wilson.
To which he commented, “Pretty confident you can remove Russell Wilson from any list. For the #Bucs, since Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to be traded to NFC team if at all, it’s hoping Deshaun Watson’s legal issues disappear and convincing ownership he’s worth the scrutiny.”
He continued, “Otherwise, it’s re-signing Blaine Gabbert to compete with Kyle Trask and another free agent QB, perhaps Teddy Bridgewater. Some more options could arrive after the NFL Draft.”
If Stroud’s scenarios come true, Watson will be the only realistic option for Tampa Bay among top-tier quarterbacks.
However, that’s easier said than done given his off-field battles.
A Steep Fall From Grace For Tampa Bay
Quarterback isn’t the only position that the Buccaneers might end up addressing.
They have free agents at wide receiver, offensive line, running back, and tight end which may all leave for new teams.
The same situation goes on their defensive front who might find the motivation to play elsewhere without Brady.
That said, the 2022 Buccaneers could look wildly different from last year’s roster.
NEXT: Tom Brady Still Not Being Direct About His Future Plans