The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are walking a fine line when it comes to their quarterback depth chart. Baker Mayfield has been the heart and soul of this offense since arriving in Tampa, but the Bucs are playing a dangerous game by not having a more reliable backup behind him.
Let’s be clear: Mayfield is a warrior. He plays the position with grit and toughness, often putting his body on the line to make plays.
But that physical style comes with a cost. Injuries have followed him throughout his career, and 2025 was no exception.
He played through a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder, along with lingering issues in his throwing shoulder, bicep, and knee. The guy gutted it out, but that kind of wear and tear adds up-especially when you're the engine of a playoff-caliber team.
So far, Tampa Bay has been fortunate. Mayfield has started all 51 games since joining the team.
But relying on that kind of durability without a strong Plan B is asking for trouble. One hit could derail a season, and last year showed just how thin the margin really is.
When Mayfield went down in Week 12 against the Rams, the Bucs turned to Teddy Bridgewater-who had literally come out of retirement after coaching high school football. That’s not the kind of situation you want in the middle of a playoff push.
Bridgewater was a fan favorite in his prime, but by 2025, he was well past the point of being able to step in and win games. His lone appearance confirmed as much.
The offense stalled, the rhythm was off, and the drop-off was glaring.
If the Bucs want to be serious contenders again in 2026, they need to shore up the quarterback room. Here are three free-agent options that could give Tampa Bay the security it needs behind Mayfield.
Kirk Cousins: The Ideal Fit
If the Buccaneers are looking for the best possible insurance policy, Kirk Cousins checks every box. Not only does he bring a wealth of starting experience, but he’s already familiar with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system from their time together in Atlanta. That kind of continuity can be invaluable for a backup quarterback stepping in midseason.
Cousins showed in 2025 that he can still sling it. After Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. went down, Cousins stepped in and led Atlanta to a 5-3 record.
And Bucs fans probably remember all too well what he did to them-373 yards, three touchdowns, and a 30-for-44 passing performance in a 29-28 Falcons win. That wasn’t just a fill-in job.
That was a reminder that Cousins can still play at a high level.
If Atlanta follows through on plans to release him, and if Cousins doesn’t land a starting gig elsewhere, Tampa Bay should be first in line. His knowledge of the system and ability to execute under pressure would be a massive asset-not just in case of injury, but also as a sounding board for Mayfield as he continues to grow in this offense.
Mitchell Trubisky: A High-Upside Backup
Mitch Trubisky might not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s quietly rebuilt his reputation as a reliable No. 2. Over the last few seasons in Buffalo, he’s been steady, professional, and ready when called upon.
In his lone extended action in 2025, Trubisky was sharp-22-for-29, 259 yards, and four touchdowns. That’s not just game management; that’s playmaking. He showed he can still move the ball and put points on the board, even with limited reps.
Trubisky will likely have a few suitors this offseason, especially from teams looking for a bridge starter or a high-end backup. Buffalo would love to keep him behind Josh Allen, but if the Bucs can make a competitive offer, he’d be a strong addition. He brings mobility, experience, and the ability to step in and keep the offense functional-something Tampa Bay sorely lacked behind Mayfield last season.
Joe Flacco: The Veteran Steady Hand
Joe Flacco turned back the clock in 2025-and the Bengals took notice. After Joe Burrow went down, Flacco stepped in and kept Cincinnati’s offense humming.
In six starts, he threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four picks. The Bengals averaged 26.8 points per game with him under center-numbers that would’ve ranked top-10 over a full season.
Tampa Bay, by comparison, averaged 22.4 points per game last year. That’s a solid mark, but Flacco’s production shows he can still elevate an offense when needed.
Now, Cincinnati wants him back. They’ve reportedly prioritized re-signing him, and it’s easy to see why.
He’s built trust in that locker room and even earned his first career Pro Bowl nod as a Bengal. Pulling him away won’t be easy-but the Bucs should at least pick up the phone.
Flacco is the kind of veteran presence who brings calm to chaos. He’s seen it all, done it all, and doesn’t flinch in big moments. If Mayfield were to miss time, Flacco could step in and keep the ship steady without asking the rest of the offense to change course.
Bottom Line: Time to Act
The Bucs have a lot going for them-an emerging offense, a defense that can still make plays, and a quarterback who plays with heart. But they can’t afford to roll the dice on quarterback depth again. Whether it’s Cousins, Trubisky, or Flacco, Tampa Bay needs to find a backup who can do more than just hold a clipboard.
Because in today’s NFL, quarterback depth isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity. And if the Bucs want to keep their championship window open, they need to treat it that way.