Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 22 total seasons in the NFL.
His departure will now create a massive void on a team he helped build.
If not for him, players like Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Leonard Fournette, and Richard Sherman wouldn’t have played in Tampa Bay.
Brady’s stint with the Buccaneers may be brief, but the Super Bowl LV victory will forever endear him to the team’s loyal fans.
"I said a long time ago when I suck I'll retire but what I really meant was when I'm not capable of leading the team to victory then someone else will have to do the job."
Tom Brady addresses media about a timeline for his NFL playing-career. #NFL | https://t.co/TDr9AexvG2 pic.twitter.com/U5vPXvMMlo
— NESN (@NESN) January 14, 2022
Whoever starts for the team after him will have big shoes to fill because his legacy is unfathomable.
However, life goes on for the Buccaneers as they prepare for the post-Brady era.
That said, here are the players who can take over from the seven-time Super Bowl champion and surefire Hall of Famer.
3. Kyle Trask
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts already gave a rousing endorsement about his former quarterback at Florida.
However, does the team think he has what it takes to replace a legend?
That’s a tall order for the second-round draft choice if Bruce Arians give the reins to him.
But if Trask can duplicate what he did during his final year with the Gators, the Buccaneers are in for a treat.
He finished that season completing 68.9 percent of his passes for 4,283 yards, 43 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions.
Kyle Trask has always been counted out. His life story line is insane. To count him out again is absolutely crazy. Dude lives for this.
— EJAR515. (@JBreezyII) February 1, 2022
Those numbers made him a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, but he lost to wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
He’s more of a pocket passer than a scrambler, and the players around him will help him thrive.
The Buccaneers have a solid offensive line to keep him protected when executing plays.
Still, it remains to be seen if the franchise will already bestow their trust in him.
2. Jameis Winston
Are the Buccaneers and Jameis Winston headed for a reunion?
Back then, he was an inaccurate talent that threw for over 5,000 yards and 30 interceptions in one season.
But he’s shown signs of maturity during his stint as the starter for the New Orleans Saints.
His numbers may not be mind-blowing, but he led the team to a 5-2 mark.
Jameis Winston didn't have a WR1 and still had 15 TDs and only 3 INTs in 6 games
— WD4L ⚜ (@PrimeShon) January 28, 2022
In seven games, he threw for 15 touchdowns and only three picks.
However, his recovery from injury will determine if he’s still a viable starter.
If he does recover sooner than later, the Buccaneers might be interested in giving him a second look.
Tampa Bay can get him at a cap-friendly rate, given that he doesn’t have much leverage to negotiate for a high sum.
1. Russell Wilson
Getting Russell Wilson as Brady’s replacement seems far-fetched.
But if the team wants to retain their marquee free agents, he’s the best quarterback to acquire.
He did show some signs of decline after rushing back from surgery of a dislocated finger.
However, the Seattle Seahawks finished strong with him under center, winning four of their last six games.
It should be Russell Wilson who picks up quarterback spot in Tampa Bay the Buccaneers should move Heaven and Earth to pry him away from the Seahawks pic.twitter.com/dUU62UWIkq
— Don Kovic (@KovicDon) February 1, 2022
Yet some questions linger if this scenario is more fact than fiction, even if his $24 million cap hit is already a considerable discount.
Will the Seahawks trade Wilson within the conference?
Are the Buccaneers willing to surrender two first-round picks and a second-day selection for him?
If he will take over from Brady, the team is in good hands under a Super Bowl champion.
What about Jimmy G?
I like Jimmy G but what will that cost considering Trask is the future?