What are some realistic Tom Brady replacement plans for the Bucs in 2023?

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are without Tom Brady next season — which looks likely — what are the franchise’s best options moving forward? 

Could this season be the last we see of Tom Brady in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform? There have been plenty of rumors in regards to whether or not Brady will retire, or if he ends up on another team, but it’s starting to look like his future is not in Tampa.

That means the Buccaneers need to balance the current chaos of the season with the uncertainty that lies ahead in the future. Brady will almost certainly be somewhere else in 2023, which means Jason Licht and company need to start thinking about who will be the team’s quarterback next season and beyond.

First off, let’s establish quickly that the Bucs are in a tough cap situation next year. Depending on the outlet you trust, most have them right around negative $40 million. They will have some big decisions to make.

For that reason, a guy like Lamar Jackson is off the table. He’s going to get a monstrous contract, and that type of deal simply isn’t in the cards for Tampa. In addition to knowing that, let’s assume the Bucs don’t attempt to trade up for a rookie like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. This is a team that needs a veteran to step right in and help a talented team win right now.

With that all in mind, here are the top four, most feasible options for the Bucs if Tom Brady retires or finds a new home in 2023.

Tom Brady backup plans: Gardner Minshew

This may not be the first guy that comes to mind for Bucs fans, but Gardner Minshew has proved time and time again that he belongs.

There’s a reason the Eagles valued him so highly as Jalen Hurts’ backup — and he’s already lived up to that billing taking Hurts’ place temporarily due to injury.

When we talk about all of the possible free agent options for teams looking for a quarterback, Minshew’s name probably doesn’t come up as often as it should. But, next year he’ll only be 27 years old with a lot of his career in front of him.

Minshew has a background of letting it fly under multiple coaches, of course dating back to his days with Mike Leach. With all of Tampa’s weapons already on board, Minshew would have as easy of a situation he’s ever had to come in and succeed. It would be a lot like the weaponry he has now in Philadelphia.

You want that competitive fire, a great locker room attitude and someone who has succeeded before? Look no further.