NFL Rumors: 4 surprise teams that could draft a first-round QB in 2024

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All indications are that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are more than happy to move forward at least into the 2024 season with Baker Mayfield under center. And why wouldn't they be? The former No. 1 overall pick enjoyed arguably the best season of his career and led the Bucs to a playoff berth, albeit by winning the lowly NFC South. It was enough to earn a second contract, to be sure.

Having said that, the future of quarterback in Tampa Bay should be considered anything but certain for the long term. Yes, Mayfield was quality for the team in the 2023 season. But we also have a several-season sample size that says the former Browns and Panthers quarterback might not be a viable franchise quarterback, or at least not one who elevates the team.

When you then consider the loss of former offensive coordinator Dave Canales to Carolina and the potential of Mike Evans departing in free agency, things look even more uncertain for the Bucs at quarterback.

Sitting at the No. 26 overall pick, the Bucs should be very much alive to look into the quarterback market. Based on every decision the franchise has made, Kyle Trask is not a viable option to move forward with, so perhaps they could find their guy to eventually supplant Mayfield with.

The QB fit for the Buccaneers has been obvious for some time, but this latest revelation about the potential first-round run on quarterbacks potentially makes it more likely that we see Tampa Bay go in that direction on Day 1 of the draft.