With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bruce Arians going “all in” by luring Tom Brady to Florida, the franchise is seemingly set at the position for the next two years. However, Brady will be 45 years old when the 2022 season starts. It is highly doubtful that Brady will still play at that age.
Consequently, finding a solution for the post-Brady era is essential for the Bucs. Brady’s susceptibility to injury caused by his age is another reason why Tampa Bay must find a young play-caller who can learn under Brady. Another option would be finding a veteran via free agency, which will be pricier, however.
The Future
The better solution would be finding Tampa Bay’s quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft. A lot of NFL analysts predict the Buccaneers to pick a quarterback in the second or third round, which would certainly be a smart investment in the franchise’s future. There is plenty of talent in this year’s draft class at quarterback.
Jordan Love could end up being on the board when the Bucs pick in round two. Jake Fromm or Jalen Hurts are expected to be available if the Bucs choose to go in that direction in round three.
On the other hand, though, is it likely for the Bucs to use an early pick on a quarterback? Chances are they will not. Arians made it obvious he is going all-in by getting Tom Brady. He will likely not be around as a Bucs coach after two more seasons. Odds are, he could not care less about the long-term future of the franchise. He wants to bring the Lombardy trophy to Tampa Bay again, preferably twice. In order to do so, Arians can not afford to spend a high pick on a player who, in a perfect scenario, will not take a snap in the next two years.
Conclusively, should the Buccaneers invest in their future by picking a quarterback early in the draft? They absolutely should. Will they do so? Highly doubtful. Licht and Arians will probably spend those picks on weapons for Tom Brady in their quest to go for it all this year.
Hopefully, their plan will come to fruition.