The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a very tough spot heading into the 2023 NFL offseason. They are over $50 million over the salary cap and now they have a huge question to answer when it comes to their starting quarterback.
Tom Brady announced on Wednesday that he will be retiring and it will be for good this time. That leaves a huge void on the Buccaneers’ roster as the only quarterback under contract is 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask.
They will assuredly be bringing in a veteran to either be the starter or at the very least compete with Trask for the starting job. Tampa Bay struggled mightily in some areas in 2022, but if they can bring in another established veteran at quarterback, they should be able to compete for at least a playoff spot again next season.
Given the relative weakness of the NFC South, the Buccaneers could very well be considered the favorites depending on who they acquire. One interesting name to keep an eye on would be Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
All signs in recent weeks have pointed to Rodgers and the Packers parting ways this offseason. A price for what it would take to acquire him has leaked and he will reportedly restructure his contract if it helps facilitate a move.
If Green Bay’s front office and ownership were to make a list of teams they are willing to send Rodgers to, the Buccaneers would almost assuredly not be on it. The Packers don’t want to have to face off against Rodgers and sending him to an AFC team would likely be in their best interest.
To overcome that, Tampa Bay would have to blow the Packers away with an offer. Looking for at least one, if not two first-round picks, the Buccaneers should offer their first-rounder in 2023 and 2024. To put them over the edge, they need to offer a conditional second-round pick in 2025 that will convert to a first-rounder should the Buccaneers and Rodgers attain some incentives.
It is a steep price but the Buccaneers are in a tough spot. Going all-in on Rodgers for the next year or two is likely the best route they can take to remain competitive. If not, they need to strongly consider beginning a rebuild and stocking up as much draft capital as possible by selling off their productive veterans.
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