2021 NFL Draft: Five teams that are proving they need a quarterback

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 29-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 29-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Tom Brady
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current QBs: Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin

While Tom Brady brought with him a lot of hype to Tampa Bay, the early return has been a bit off from what was anticipated. Having Brady on the roster puts the Bucs in a win-now mode, but there are avenues for them to invest in the future while also staying in that mode.

Through the first two weeks, Brady has three touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also on just a two-year deal and will be 45-years old, going on 46, when his contract is up. There’s a high probability that this contract will be his last.

With that being said, the Buccaneers don’t really have an option behind him for the future. Blaine Gabbert is a solid backup, but nothing more, while Ryan Griffin is in a similar boat at best. For this reason, Tampa Bay could pull the trigger on a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The team won’t need that rookie to start, taking the pressure off of being the immediate heir-apparent to Tom Brady, but it would also place the rookie in the same room as Brady for a year.

We’ve seen the results of players who have watched tape with Brady in Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Brian Hoyer, Matt Cassel, and others. Giving the next Tampa Bay quarterback a year with Brady could be the perfect transition.