The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an uncertain quarterback situation after Tom Brady’s retirement, and they are doing their due diligence as they determine which direction to go in. That involves looking at a lot of potential targets, including some surprising ones.
The Buccaneers are casting a wide net on quarterbacks, and according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, they have done background work on Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. This comes in light of reports that the Browns are taking a look at Houston’s Deshaun Watson as a possible trade target, which would make Mayfield expendable.
#Bucs have also done work as you would expect on Baker Mayfield from an evaluation standpoint should he become available for a trade. https://t.co/TutAXu72Iz
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 12, 2022
For what it’s worth, the Browns have reportedly told Mayfield that they are committed to him. Something like that could change quickly, however, if it becomes clear to the Browns that they can realistically land Watson in a trade.
The Buccaneers haven’t even fully put the Brady situation behind them yet, but they will have to eventually. Mayfield would be something of a reclamation project for coach Bruce Arians, as he is coming off the worst season of his career with only 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. This is entirely moot if the Browns don’t get Watson, but it certainly bears watching if they pull off the surprise trade.
Photo: Sep 19, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
