In Western Florida’s pro football circles, the burning question dominating conversations is centered on who will helm the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as quarterback in 2024. While the prevailing assumption points to Baker Mayfield retaining the role, following his impactful performance that steered the team to the playoffs and even into the divisional round after replacing Tom Brady on a short-term deal, Mayfield’s impending free agency adds an element of uncertainty to the equation. In the unpredictable realm of NFL free agency, surprises are not uncommon.
Anticipating various scenarios, it’s prudent to entertain a Plan B. Enter Bruce Arians, the former Buccaneers coach who still maintains an advisory role to GM Jason Licht.
Arians appears to have a contingency plan in mind, and it revolves around Washington quarterback Michael Penix, notably lauded for his role in guiding the Huskies to the national championship game this season.
“As far as the football grade, I love him because he does things I love to do. He puts it up the field. He’s as accurate on throws up the field as anyone I’ve seen in 15 years Just to fight through that last game after he had that ankle tore up. But what he did to Texas was unbelievable.”
In the lead-up to the pivotal Sugar Bowl clash, Penix showcased his prowess by amassing an impressive 430 yards through the air, completing 29 of 38 passes with two touchdowns and zero interceptions against Texas.
Penix’s stellar performance last season merits attention; he not only topped the nation in passing yards with an impressive 4,903 in 15 games, surpassing his own Washington record set in 2022, but also held a significant lead of nearly 400 yards over the second-ranked passer, Oregon’s Bo Nix. Furthermore, his 36 touchdowns placed him third nationwide.
Arians, recognizing Penix’s attributes, deems him an ideal fit for the Buccaneers’ quarterback role.
Despite his undeniable talent, Penix is unlikely to be a first-round draft pick due to concerns stemming from his extensive injury history. The sixth-year senior, who transferred from Indiana for his final two years of eligibility, has undergone season-ending surgeries for a torn ACL in his right knee twice, in 2018 and 2020. Set to turn 24 in May, Penix’s age adds another dimension to the evaluation.
Pro Football Focus forecasts Penix as the second pick in the second round, courtesy of a trade-up by the Raiders. With the Buccaneers slated to pick 56th in Round 2, Penix could emerge as a viable option, even if Baker Mayfield opts to re-sign with the team.
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