The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason is in full swing, with free agency getting underway. General manager Jason Licht has made a few impressive signings in the past two days. Defensive back Jamel Dean – one of the top free agents on the market – returned to the team on a four-year contract. Fan favorite and Buccaneer legend Lavonte David agreed to a one-year deal to stay in town. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also agreed to a one-year contract on Wednesday.
With the Mayfield signing, the Bucs have him and just Kyle Trask under contract at quarterback. Neither is likely going to be the one to return the Bucs to the Super Bowl this fall.
But could there be a long-term option the Buccaneers could secure in the coming weeks?
A winner in Knoxville
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is an intriguing prospect. The 25-year old UT star took over for a struggling Joe Milton in the early stages of the 2021 season and starred. He led the SEC in passing efficiency, total yardage, completion percentage and yards per attempt. His 2022 season turned out to be even better. He led the Vols to a 9-1 record before going down with a torn ACL in a loss at South Carolina. Hooker tallied 3135 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions on the season. He added 5 additional touchdowns on the ground.
His highlight performance was in the Vols’ 52-49 win over Alabama. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 385 yards and 5 touchdowns – all to WR Jalin Hyatt. With the game tied at 49 and at his own 32-yard line with just 15 seconds remaining, Hooker put together one of the biggest drives in school history. Hooker found Ramel Keyton to get to midfield, then hit Bru McCoy with a perfect strike for 27 yards to the Alabama 23. Two seconds remained on the clock, and kicker Chase McGrath banged through the winning field goal by inches, giving Tennessee its first win over Alabama since 2006 and making Hooker a legend in Knoxville.
Questions about his age, knee, and system
Hooker isn’t getting the same run as a first-round pick like CJ Stroud, Will Levis, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson despite playing as good or better than all of them last season. Part of the stated concern by draft pundits is his age – he’s 25 years old. He may also be another year older when he steps on the field, as he is still recovering from the aforementioned ACL tear.
That being said, if there’s a position where the phrase “age is just a number” would apply, it would be the QB position. That Tom Brady guy kind of proved that the last decade. And with modern medicine, ACL tears are more often overcome than not, especially for QB’s. The injury is also to his left knee, rather than his plant leg.
As far as any perceived concerns about his vertical offensive system not being transferrable to the NFL, word from the combine about Hooker’s smarts were overwhelmingly positive.
Talked to a handful of teams about TENN QB Hendon Hooker this morning. He's acing interviews and board work.
With 4 QBs expected in top 10, I don't think Hooker waits long into Round 2 if he makes it that far. He had a Round 1 grade on my board pre-ACL injury
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 11, 2023
Hendon Hooker couldn't work out at the Combine, but he still really impressed NFL coaches in Indy: “Hendon was great. He was so mature. He remembered both offenses, from Tennessee and from Va Tech, in such detail … " More intel from Indy here: https://t.co/52dQAcX6Pl
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 7, 2023
Where could the Buccaneers take him?
Hooker’s combine showing likely only helped the perception that his skills will translate to the next level – at least for some teams. Hooker has first round potential, but will likely come as somewhat of a discount based upon the knee and age concerns.
The Buccaneers currently pick at 19, 50, and 82 in the first three rounds, and they’re almost certainly going somewhere else at 19. It also seems like a distinct possibility that Hooker could be gone well before the Bucs pick at 82 in the third round.
So the question remains whether Licht feels the need to prepare for the future at the game’s most important position by using his second-round pick on a player with upside and perceived risks like Hooker. If the Mayfield signing is any indication of the franchise’s belief (or lack thereof) in Kyle Trask, it could be that they’re looking for a new long-term solution at the position.
Licht might even have to trade up from 50 to get him, as the Titans, Falcons, Commanders, and (likely) the Packers sit in the 40s with significant questions at quarterback. After all, someone is going to see Hooker for what he really is:
A mature, humble, and hungry competitor that has a knack for winning.
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