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

Tom Brady backup plans: Jimmy Garoppolo

Oh, how things come full circle sometimes.

Once looked at as a potential Brady replacement in New England, Jimmy Garoppolo ended up being far from that. Instead, Brady went on to play several more seasons and the Patriots dealt Garoppolo to the 49ers where he had a good amount of success.

Next year, San Francisco is going to have an interesting decision to make. With Trey Lance possibly still the future at quarterback, and the emergence of Brock Purdy this year, what do they do with Garoppolo? If they re-signed him, Garoppolo would be yet another expensive backup — if that ends up being the plan.

But, if he hits free agency, he has to be the top option for Tampa. Garoppolo has proven to be the ultimate game manager over the last few seasons. If the Bucs’ defense can revert to form and get the correct pieces back in 2023, then Garoppolo’s job becomes fairly easy: just don’t lose the game.

Brady has looked off at times this year. Let’s not shy away from that fact. He hasn’t been right. So, Garoppolo would just need to come in and do what he does best, and that’s manage the game.

Tampa’s offensive line, when healthy, is still a good unit. But it’s endured some bumps and changes this year. If Tampa can draft another lineman and sign Garoppolo, while adding maybe a little help in their secondary, then they’d be right back in the thick of the NFC race.