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A comprehensive list of the quarterbackswho have led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1967, from Steve Spurrier to Baker Mayfield. Each quarterback’s name, hometown, and career are included with a brief description of their achievements and impact on the franchise.
Table of Contents
Steve Spurrier (1976-1977)
Steve Spurrier, most widely recognized for his coaching career, was the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their inaugural season in 1976. Joining the expansion Buccaneers, Spurrier faced significant challenges on a team struggling to find its footing in the NFL. His tenure with the Buccaneers was marked by a lack of team success, as the franchise endured a winless first season. Despite the team’s struggles, Spurrier’s experience and leadership were vital in the early development of the franchise.
Parnell Dickinson (1976)
Parnell Dickinson joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie in 1976. His time with the team was brief, with limited appearances as a quarterback. Dickinson’s NFL career was cut short by injury, but his presence on the inaugural Buccaneers team was part of the franchise’s early efforts to establish itself in the league. Although his contributions on the field were limited, Dickinson was a part of the team’s formative history.
Terry Hanratty (1976)
Terry Hanratty, a former Notre Dame standout, played for the Buccaneers in their inaugural season in 1976. Hanratty’s tenure with Tampa Bay was brief, as he was part of the quarterback rotation on a team struggling to find consistency at the position. His experience and knowledge of the game were valuable to a young Buccaneers team trying to navigate the challenges of their first NFL season.
Gary Huff (1977-1978)
Gary Huff joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1977, contributing to the team’s quarterback lineup in their second season. Huff’s time in Tampa Bay was marked by the continued growing pains of the franchise. As the team’s primary starter in 1977, he faced significant challenges on a team still building its identity. Huff’s tenure with the Buccaneers was part of the early struggles and development of the young franchise.
Randy Hedberg (1977)
Randy Hedberg was a rookie quarterback for the Buccaneers in 1977. His time as a starter was brief and came during a challenging period for the team. Hedberg’s experience as a quarterback for Tampa Bay was indicative of the difficulties faced by expansion teams in the NFL. The challenges of developing a competitive squad were evident in the Buccaneers’ quarterback play during these early years, and Hedberg’s tenure was a part of that process.
Mike Rae (1978)
Mike Rae joined the Buccaneers in 1978, adding to the team’s quarterback depth. Rae’s role in Tampa Bay was primarily as a backup, and his playing time was limited. His presence on the roster was part of the Buccaneers’ ongoing efforts to find stability and success at the quarterback position. Rae’s time with the team was a small chapter in the larger story of the Buccaneers’ early years in the NFL.
Doug Williams (1978-1982)
Doug Williams was drafted by the Buccaneers in 1978, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. As the first African American quarterback drafted in the first round, Williams faced significant pressure and expectations. His strong arm and leadership abilities quickly made him the face of the franchise. Williams led the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearance in 1979, just four years after the team’s inception, and to the NFC Championship Game. His tenure with the Buccaneers is remembered for breaking barriers and transforming the team into contenders, showcasing his importance not only to the franchise but to the NFL as a whole.
Jerry Golsteyn (1983)
Jerry Golsteyn joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983, playing a role as a backup quarterback. His tenure with the Buccaneers was brief and came during a transitional period for the team. While Golsteyn’s time in Tampa Bay did not significantly impact the franchise’s history, his presence added depth to the quarterback position during a season marked by changes and challenges for the team.
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Jack Thompson (1983-1984)
Jack Thompson, known as “The Throwin’ Samoan,” was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983. Thompson’s tenure with the Buccaneers was part of his journeyman career in the NFL. In Tampa Bay, he was given the opportunity to start, but the team struggled to find success during his time as quarterback. Thompson’s period with the Buccaneers was characterized by the ongoing efforts of the franchise to establish a stable and effective offense.
Steve DeBerg (1984-1987, 1992-1993)
Steve DeBerg first joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1984. Known for his resilience and football intelligence, DeBerg’s initial tenure with the team was marked by modest team success but personal statistical achievements. His leadership and experience were vital for a young Buccaneers squad. DeBerg returned to the Buccaneers later in his career, in the early 1990s, serving as a mentor to younger quarterbacks and providing valuable experience to the quarterback room.
Steve Young (1985-1986)
Before his legendary career with the San Francisco 49ers, Steve Young played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Young joined the Buccaneers in 1985, showcasing his potential with his strong arm and exceptional mobility. However, the team’s overall struggles during this period limited his success. Young’s time in Tampa Bay was a learning experience, and he was eventually traded to the 49ers, where he would go on to achieve great success and earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Vinny Testaverde (1987-1992)
Vinny Testaverde was selected by the Buccaneers as the first overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft. His tenure in Tampa Bay was filled with high expectations. Testaverde showed flashes of brilliance with his strong arm and playmaking ability, but his time with the Buccaneers was also marked by inconsistency and a high number of interceptions. Despite these challenges, Testaverde’s talent was evident, and he would go on to have a long, productive career in the NFL after leaving Tampa Bay.
Chris Chandler (1990-1991)
Chris Chandler, known for his journey through several NFL teams, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the early 1990s. Chandler’s time with the Buccaneers was brief and came during a period of struggle for the franchise. While in Tampa Bay, Chandler provided depth at the quarterback position and made a handful of starts. His tenure was part of a career that saw him developing into a capable NFL starter in subsequent years with other teams.
Craig Erickson (1992-1994)
Craig Erickson became the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991 but choosing to play in the World League of American Football initially, Erickson returned to the NFL with the Buccaneers. His tenure in Tampa Bay was during a rebuilding phase for the franchise. Erickson displayed talent and potential, particularly with a strong arm and good pocket presence. However, the team’s overall performance during this period was lackluster, and Erickson eventually moved on to other teams in the NFL.
Trent Dilfer (1994-1999)
Trent Dilfer was drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. Dilfer’s time in Tampa Bay was a period of both personal growth and team development. Initially struggling with interceptions and consistency, Dilfer gradually improved and helped lead the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearance since 1982 in the 1997 season. His tenure with the Buccaneers is remembered for helping to turn around the fortunes of the franchise, even though he did not achieve the level of success that was expected of him when he was drafted.
Shaun King (1999-2003)
Shaun King, drafted by the Buccaneers in 1999, stepped in as the team’s starting quarterback during his rookie season after an injury to Trent Dilfer. King, a local product from St. Petersburg, Florida, led the Buccaneers to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie year. His dual-threat ability added a new dimension to the Buccaneers’ offense. Although King’s time as a starter was relatively short, he remained with the team as a backup, providing depth and experience at the quarterback position.
Brad Johnson (2001-2004)
Brad Johnson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001 and played a key role in the team’s success during the early 2000s. Johnson, known for his accuracy and smart decision-making, was the starting quarterback during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII victory in the 2002 season. His leadership and efficient style of play were perfect fits for a team that was renowned for its dominant defense. Johnson’s tenure with the Buccaneers solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective NFL quarterback.
Chris Simms (2003-2007)
Chris Simms, the son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms, joined the Buccaneers in 2003. Simms played a backup role initially but eventually became the starter. His time as the starting quarterback was marked by a combination of potential and challenges, including a serious spleen injury in 2006. Simms’ tenure with the Buccaneers was a period of ups and downs, reflecting both his development as a player and the team’s ongoing efforts to establish a consistent offensive identity.
Brian Griese (2004-2005, 2008)
Brian Griese had two stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, first joining the team in 2004. Griese provided stability at the quarterback position, known for his accuracy and smart play. In his first tenure with the Buccaneers, he led the team to a 5-1 record as a starter before suffering an injury. Griese returned to the Buccaneers in 2008, again providing veteran leadership and experience. His role was crucial in mentoring younger quarterbacks and contributing to the team’s offensive strategy.
Jeff Garcia (2007-2008)
Jeff Garcia signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007, bringing a wealth of experience and a dynamic playing style to the team. Garcia’s mobility and ability to extend plays re-energized the Buccaneers’ offense. In his first season with Tampa Bay, he led the team to the playoffs, earning a Pro Bowl selection for his performance. Garcia’s veteran leadership and competitiveness were key factors in the Buccaneers’ success during his tenure, making him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room.
Luke McCown (2007-2009)
Luke McCown served as a backup quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with occasional starts when the primary quarterback was injured. McCown’s tenure with the Buccaneers was marked by his role as a reliable backup, ready to step in when needed. His time in Tampa Bay showcased his capability to manage games and provide steady play, which was crucial for maintaining team stability during transitions and injuries at the quarterback position.
Josh Freeman (2009-2013)
Josh Freeman was drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Freeman showed promise early in his career, particularly during the 2010 season when he threw for 25 touchdowns with just six interceptions, leading the Buccaneers to a 10-6 record. His strong arm and physicality made him a potential franchise quarterback. However, inconsistencies and off-field issues affected his performance, and after a promising start, his tenure with the team ended in 2013. Freeman’s time with the Buccaneers was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, reflecting both his talent and the challenges he faced.
Mike Glennon (2013-2016)
Mike Glennon was selected by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Initially serving as a backup to Josh Freeman, Glennon was thrust into the starting role during his rookie season. Known for his height and arm strength, Glennon’s performances were mixed, showing potential at times but also struggling with consistency. His role shifted back to a backup when the Buccaneers drafted Jameis Winston in 2015. Glennon’s time in Tampa Bay was marked by the transition and development phase of the franchise.
Jameis Winston (2015-2019)
Jameis Winston, the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, was brought in to be the franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers. Winston’s tenure with the team was characterized by impressive statistical production, including becoming the first Buccaneers quarterback to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season. However, his time in Tampa Bay was also marred by turnovers and inconsistent play. Despite moments of brilliance, Winston’s inconsistency ultimately led to the Buccaneers moving in a different direction at the quarterback position after the 2019 season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (2017-2018)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, also known as “Fitzmagic,” joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017, serving primarily as a backup to Jameis Winston. Fitzpatrick was well-known for his journeyman career across several NFL teams. During his tenure in Tampa Bay, he had several remarkable performances, especially at the start of the 2018 season, where he displayed his trademark aggressive play and deep passing ability. Fitzpatrick’s time with the Buccaneers was short but memorable, characterized by streaks of high-level play and strong leadership.
Blaine Gabbert (2019-present)
Blaine Gabbert joined the Buccaneers in 2019, bringing experience as a backup quarterback. His role in Tampa Bay has primarily been to provide depth and experience behind the starting quarterback. Gabbert’s understanding of the offense and readiness to step in when necessary are valuable for the Buccaneers, offering depth and stability at the quarterback position.
Tom Brady (2020-2022)
Tom Brady’s career in the NFL is one of the most illustrious and distinguished in the history of the sport. Drafted 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady’s journey from a largely overlooked prospect to a legendary figure in football is a tale of perseverance, skill, and exceptional leadership. Over two decades with the Patriots, he transformed the team into a dynasty, winning six Super Bowls, and earning numerous individual accolades, including multiple MVP awards. Known for his incredible composure in high-pressure situations, Brady was pivotal in some of the most memorable comebacks in NFL history, including the historic rally from a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
In 2020, Brady made a surprising move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season with the Buccaneers, he led them to victory in Super Bowl LV, proving his ability to achieve championship success outside the Patriots’ system and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His precision, tactical intelligence, and ability to read defenses have set him apart throughout his career. Even in his 40s, Brady continued to perform at an elite level, challenging the notion of decline due to age in professional sports. Brady’s impact extends beyond the field, as he’s known for his strict fitness and diet regimen, contributing to his longevity in the sport. His career, characterized by record-breaking performances and unparalleled success, has made him a central figure in the narrative of NFL history.
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Baker Mayfield (2023)
Baker Mayfield’s career took a significant turn when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 16, 2023. His debut game in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings began with a slow start, as he completed only 3 of his first 11 passes. However, Mayfield quickly regained his form, throwing a touchdown to close the first half. He continued to impress for the rest of the game, going 18/23 for 110 yards and securing a crucial first down that led to a narrow 20–17 victory.
In the following week against the Chicago Bears, Mayfield showcased his efficiency and accuracy. He completed 26 of 34 passes, amassing 317 yards and one touchdown, which resulted in a 27–17 win. This performance, with a 76% completion rate, marked the best of his career in games with over 33 pass attempts, surpassing his previous high set while playing for the Cleveland Browns.
Mayfield’s early season success continued into Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he completed 15 of 25 passes for 146 yards. Despite throwing an interception and experiencing his first turnover of the season, along with a fumble that was recovered by his team, he managed to contribute to the team’s overall performance.
A highlight of Mayfield’s season came in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, where he achieved a perfect passer rating. He completed 22 out of 28 passes, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Buccaneers to a 34–20 victory. In the final week of the regular season, Week 18, Mayfield’s leadership and skill were pivotal in a game against the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers won 9–0, clinching their third consecutive NFC South title.
Mayfield finished the season with remarkable statistics, throwing 28 touchdown passes and achieving 4,044 passing yards. His completion rate for the season stood at 64.3%, all of which were career highs for him. This season with the Buccaneers marked a significant phase in Mayfield’s NFL career, showcasing his resilience and ability to adapt and excel in a new team environment.
Complete List Of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterbacks In Order In Order article published on SportsInOrder.com© 2024
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