Why the Buccaneers should pursue 49ers QB Trey Lance

The Bucs have a giant question mark at QB with Brady's retirement. Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are battling for the starting spot through preseason, but neither has proved to be franchise material. In fact, the two combined for five interceptions during training camp on Tuesday.

Adding another QB to the mix would only heighten the competition, and who better than a 23-year-old, former third-overall pick looking for redemption? He'd likely steal the job based on potential alone.

Lance was the 49ers' future at the start of last season, but after breaking his right ankle in Week 2, he was eventally replaced by the unlikely "Mr. Irrelevant" Brock Purdy, who shocked the world — and now sits atop the depth chart.

Lance needs a fresh start, and it's not the first time he's been linked to Tampa Bay. In a January report, ESPN writer Dan Graziano described how the Bucs should prepare for the possibility of acquiring the North Dakota State product.

"Get him healthy, pair him with the right offensive coordinator and reap the benefits of the development work the Niners did with him," he wrote.

Now healthy, Lance would join new OC Dave Canales, elite WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a beefed-up offensive line. He'd be a strong QB presence who could establish both the passing and run games, make plays and compete in close games in a division up for grabs.

The Bucs have to make a move to keep the ship afloat, and Lance looks like a prime candidate to fill the hole Tampa Bay's offense so desperately needs.