3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who won’t be back and the best replacement options

Buccaneers who are done in Tampa Bay after Cowboys loss: QB, Tom Brady

You’ve heard this one before… But this time, we think Brady’s time with the Buccaneers is actually done.

There are one of two ways this goes. Brady could opt to exit the league altogether and call it quits on his playing career, riding into the sunset with a multimillion-dollar broadcasting job. Or he could continue his career with another team. Recently, three were rumored as suitors that would be interested in Brady the free agent this offseason.

It’s hard to peg exactly where Brady’s heart is at right now. And last offseason showed us that even if he tells you, you might want to wait it out a few weeks to make sure he’s certain about his decision.

This year was clearly frustrating for Brady, who had his first losing season ever as a starter in his NFL career. Remarkably he still put up nearly 4,700 yards, albeit on one of the worst yards-per-attempt seasons (6.4) of his career.

The offensive line wasn’t as good this year as it was in prior years in Tampa Bay. Though he avoided sacks, he had the lowest pocket time in the entire league and was hit 55 times compared to 31 in 2021.

There are teams that can offer Brady more at this stage in his career. If he comes back to play another year, he will want a fresh slate after the worst year of his career yet in Tampa.

BEST OPTIONS TO REPLACE TOM BRADY

• Internal roster: Blaine Gabbert (if re-signed)
• Free agency: Lamar Jackson
• Draft: Tanner McKee