The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a few decisions to make this off season. The team has said many times that Jameis Winston will be the starter when the season starts in September. Behind him, there is a question mark as to who would take over if Jameis does get injured. As it stands, Winston is the only Quarterback under contract for the upcoming season. Here is my opinion on who the team should consider as the backup to Winston.

Trevor Siemian

Siemian was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. After being drafted, he was a backup in his rookie season to Peyton Manning and won Super Bowl 50. In his second season he was named the starter for 14 games. In two seasons as the starter for the Bronco’s, Siemian had a record of 13 wins-12 losses. His career numbers don’t jump off the page but are in line with most of the backup quarterbacks in the league. In 26 games played he has thrown for 5686 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. He spent last year with the Minnesota Vikings and was third on the depth chart.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Fans of the Buccaneers know about the buzz that was “Fitzmagic” after the first game of the season. Fitzpatrick stared the season on fire by going into the Super dome and beating the New Orleans Saints in one of the highest scoring games of the season. He followed that performance by beating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the home opener. In my opinion, Fitzpatrick fits into what Coach Bruce Arians likes to do. Fitzpatrick showed the ability to take shots down the field. Fitzpatrick had 1,230 yards and three consecutive games with over 400 yards passing to start the season. He has shown that he can make all the throws and would be a great backup if the Buccaneers decide to bring him back.

Going the NFL Draft Route

The Buccaneers could use a mid-round draft pick and take a Quarterback in the draft. I think that with the type of offense the Buccaneers are looking to run, a quarterback like Jarrett Stidham checks all the boxes. He is 6’3” 215 Ibs and has a strong arm. The NFL combine is coming up in a few weeks and Stidham will have a chance to showcase his talent for all 32 teams.  Stidham was the starter for Auburn for the 2017 season. In his first season as a starter he amassed 3,158 yards passing, 18 passing touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

Over the next month the Buccaneers will evaluate both free agent quarterbacks as well as those in the draft. We can only sit back and speculate on what the coaching staff is looking for in the backup quarterback position. Will they look to a Veteran or will they draft a quarterback? This is one of many questions that will have to be answered.