Another phase of the offseason training activities is ending for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I will take a minute to look forward to what we will see from the quarterbacks in training camp. The first day of mandatory minicamp may tell a lot on what to look forward to.
The Starter
From day one, Bruce Arians has said that Jameis Winston would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starter. No surprise with this decision, Arians took the job in Tampa because the ties he had to Jason Licht and Jameis Winston. From all reports, Jameis has been picking up on the offensive scheme very well. Winston should be able to take the next step in his career this season. The offense is stacked with playmakers and should provide mismatches all over the field. Jameis must show that he can cut down on turnovers and play with an edge, just not too much of one.
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The Backup
This is where it gets tricky. This offseason the Buccaneers came into the offseason with only one quarterback signed for the upcoming season. After free agency started, the Buccaneers signed Ryan Griffin to a two-year deal and everyone was thinking he would have the backup spot. Then the Bucs went out and signed Blaine Gabbert to a one-year deal. Gabbert has an advantage when it comes to the position. He has played for Bruce Arians and appeared in five games for the Arizona Cardinals. Griffin has looked good in the offseason but lacks the experience in the system. Once training camp starts, the battle will begin.
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The Wildcard
Nick Fitzgerald has been the forgotten man in the quarterback room. This may be because once the team is on the field, he is not with the quarterbacks. The Buccaneers have been moving Fitzgerald all over the field. During the first day of mandatory Mini-Camp, Fitzgerald spent the entire practice at the tight end position on field two. Fitzgerald has also been in most of the special teams’ drills. Fitzgerald was asked if he was willing to play other positions and he said he would do whatever he could to make the team. While playing at Mississippi State he was known as a dual threat quarterback. His talent could bring a winkle into an already good offense. Fitzgerald may be looking for a role like what the New Orleans Saints have with Taysom Hill in New Orleans. After the success of Taysom Hill, every team is looking to find someone that can be somewhat of a Swiss Army Knife.
The season is still a few months away and I am sure once training camp starts we will see how the roster takes shape. I am betting that the Buccaneers keep three of the four on the active roster and the fourth will be part of the practice squad.
