Over the past week just about every news story centered around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been on the pending suspension of Jameis Winston for his involvement in an Uber incident from March of 2016. This article, though will explore the potential fallout of who fills in if Winston is suspended for 3 or more games. Even though it seems that the Bucs front office seems set to ride with Fitzpatrick at one and Griffin as number two, let explore the free agent QB’s the Bucs “could” bring in if need be.
-Colin Kaepernick-
Kaepernick is obviously the flashiest and some would argue has had the most productive, albeit, short career out of many QB’s signed this off season. His stats in his last season, 2016, weren’t bad and has decent career stats: 88.9 QBR, 59.8 completion %, and 72/30 TD/INT ratio. The main two reasons why he shouldn’t come to Tampa Bay. 1)Those stats have not translated into wins. Where he won just one game in 2016. This could be due to multiple factors. Not being in the best football shape, other team factors, etc. 2) He is the largest media lightening rod since Tim Tebow. And similar to Tebow, the level of production doesn’t outweigh the circus that comes with said player. In my opinion, the Bucs are dealing with their own bad media circus in the possible Jameis Winston suspension, and they don’t need another distraction.
-Derek Anderson-
Early in his career, he spent a few seasons as the starting QB for the Browns and then a small stint in Arizona. Since then he has played back up to Cam Newton and has been pretty serviceable when needed.
He has won games when needed and also has a decent stat line for a backup: 71.7 QBR, 54.1 completion %, and 60/60 TD/INT. When you take out the tough years in Cleveland (who wouldn’t), and focus on just his time in Charlotte, he has been solid. If anything, he warrants at least a look from Tampa Bay if they are bringing guys in.
-Matt Moore-
This QB might be the most intriguing of the bunch. After an unsuccessful stint with the Panthers, he has been fairly productive during his time in Miami. His overall stats: 81.2 QBR, 59.6% completion %, 45/36 TD/INT ratio is solid. What is even more intriguing is that the last few years Moore has been very solid. The last two years where has been on a bad football team he posted a 90.6 QBR, 62.3 completion %, and 12/8 TD/INT ratio. Not too bad for a backup. He obviously makes smart enough decisions with the football when called upon, and even when he is not the best of situations talent-wise. If you plug in a guy like Moore on one the most talented Bucs offense in recent memory, he could very well keep the Bucs afloat while Winston is out.
Overall, the Bucs will probably stay with what they have currently. If they have to make a move before or during the start of the season, it might not be a bad idea to give Matt Moore a hard look if still available.
