NFL Trade Machine: The Mike Glennon Quandary

Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Virtually everybody in existence believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to take a quarterback with their 1st overall pick in the coming draft.  It’s just a matter of whether it will be Jameis Winston of Florida State or Marcus Mariota of Oregon.  What many haven’t bothered to talk about is once that happens, what will become of their other quarterback, Mike Glennon?

The former 3rd round pick in 2013 hasn’t caught on with the new regime but his brief foray into starting games at the pro level showed plenty of promise.  At least enough to warrant an extended look from another team that needs a quarterback.  Pulling an NFL trade for Glennon makes plenty of sense.

He can be had for cheap, both in terms of acquiring him with a draft pick and also his rookie contract.  The amount of risk in such a deal is minimal and the upside is there to be had.

"“I think the thing that stands out with him, first of all, his functional mobility for a big man is far better than people might give him credit for.  You see him move out of the pocket and make throws. He can do that. The thing I really like about him is his willingness to pull the trigger. You’ve got to do that in the NFL.”"

That came from senior NFL Films producer Greg Cosell during the 2013 draft process when talking about Glennon.  Cosell has been around the game a long time.  So it’s fair to say he knows what good quarterbacks look like.  So for him to say that about 6’7″ kid is interesting.

Glennon has certainly had his moments, playing very well against some good teams.  He nearly upset the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in their own building two years ago and pulled off a stunner on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.  The ability is there.  The question is will anybody take the plunge to find out?