The amount of chatter on Bucs Twitter over the offseason based around QB Lamar Jackson has been more than the topic probably deserved up until this point, but now that the former unanimous MVP has formally requested a trade, it certainly warrants a discussion.
Formulated Plans
The Bucs have formulated plans to build around either 2nd-rounder Kyle Trask or former first overall pick Baker Mayfield, but with the news of Lamar officially wanting out, they’ve been listed by many experts as a potential landing spot for the former Louisville Cardinal.
Of course, there are many things to consider when discussing the idea of Jackson in a Bucs uniform; how can they afford him? How many picks do they give up for him? Is he worth such a hefty investment, especially considering how much the Bucs would likely have to give up for him?
To answer a few of those questions simply; if there’s any way to get Lamar in a Bucs uniform, you do it. We can hem and haw about his play style, injury history, and all of that, but he’s an elite quarterback in this league who is 26 years of age. Guys like that don’t become available very often.
Financial Footwork
Now, the bigger issue, in my opinion, is not the draft picks, or overthinking about if he’s worth the money he’d likely command, but actually doing the financial footwork to be able to afford him. I’m sure it’s possible, as teams like the Bucs, Saints and Eagles have shown that the salary cap can be just a figment of our collective imagination, but some sacrifices would certainly have to be made, both in the present and the future.
Especially when you consider the fact that the Bucs probably won’t have firsts for the next three years, this does come at a huge price for the franchise. I’m not thinking in terms of if he gets hurt, or if his production drops off; I’m thinking in terms of if the Bucs can truly surround him with enough talent to make their team competitive.
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The counterargument I have for that? With Lamar Jackson under center, they will be able to overcome quite a few shortcomings in other areas of their team. He was throwing to receivers like Marquise Brown, Willie Snead, and Miles Boykin in his MVP season, and his only real solid, bonafide playmaker to target was tight end Mark Andrews, who was still coming into form as an NFL tight end that season.
My point with that long sentence dissing the Ravens 2019 receiving corps is that if he was able to make that work, what the hell can he do with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and whoever else wants to jump aboard the ship once the Bucs have the draw of having an elite QB again?
I know, it’s a long shot, it’s unrealistic, there are a lot of moving parts and dependencies that are part of this potential deal, but wasn’t Tom Brady coming to the Bucs a long shot?
A Bucs Miracle?
This franchise is built on miracles. Maybe this front office can pull off another one and bring in the most dynamic playmaker to play the quarterback position since Michael Vick.
Or maybe we’ll be watching Kyle Trask lead the Bucs to a 5-12 season next season.
Either way, it should be an intriguing offseason moving forward.
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