Everyone will talk about how great Tom Brady was and what he did for the Buccaneers. In all reality, Tom Brady has already lost the Buccaneers a winning 2023 season. You would think Tom Brady’s retirement would open up a ton of cap space for the Tampa Bay Bucs, right? Think again.
Despite hanging up his cleats, Brady’s contract will still carry a $35 million dead cap hit – likely split up into $10 million in 2023 and $25 million in 2024. In fact, the Bucs are currently projected to be a whopping $55 million over the cap in 2023 – a number that doesn’t even count pending free agents. So we won’t even be able to offer the homeless guy down the street a sandwich to throw the ball at practice at this point.
Without the money to put into a new QB replacement, we can guarantee any hopes of a 2023 winning season are done. Before you start talking about 2nd-string, this is the NFL. We don’t get many Tom Bradys or Brock Purdys. Guys, whose big chance came when the 1st String got injured, and you somehow got to pull the nose up on a crashing plane. We need some experience leading the team.
Are the Bucs going to have to blow things up next year with no Brady and an overloaded salary cap? Who will be playing quarterback in Tampa next year? If the salary cap wasn’t an issue, we picked 3 solid replacements for Tom Brady. Check them out here! [Source Yahoo News]
Throwback Thursday: The Bucs Win Their First Super Bowl
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Musicians Gwen Stefani of No Doubt and Sting perform during half-time of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Dexter Jackson celebrates on the victory stage
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates on the victory stage as he holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy while wearing his Super Bowl Champions tee shirt and cap as ABC Sports commentator Mike Tirico looks to interview him after the win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Jackson had two interceptions in a span of five minutes and three seconds as the Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Buccaneers fan holds a “Chucky” head
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: A fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands up as he holds a "Chucky" head in each hand (representing Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden, who is known as ''Chucky'' after the horror show doll) during Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Mike Alstott during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers answers questions during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Jon Gruden during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Celebrates Super Bowl Victory
ShareTAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: Tampa Bay Buccaneer Dexter Jackson high-fives fans while holding his Super Bowl MVP trophy during a Superbowl victory celebration January 27, 2003 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII yesterday. (Photo by Chris Livingston/Getty Images)
Johnson holds his son
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds his son after defeating the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Warren Sapp during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: Warren Sapp#99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers answers questions during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
John Lynch during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: John Lynch #47 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers answers questions during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Gwen Stefani speaks at press conference
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 23: Gwen Stefani of No Doubt answers questionsl at the press conference for the AT&T Wireless Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show at the Super Bowl Media Center in San Diego, California on January 23, 2003. Shania Twain and No Doubt will perform at halftime as the Oakland Raiders will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Sapp celebrates the win
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: A fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers supports her team by holding a sign during the Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Celine Dion performs before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Bucs fans
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Three female fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers show their hate for the Oakland Raiders during Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Bonnie Raitt performs before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans celebrate
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate in the stands during Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Female Buccaneers fans
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Four female Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans pose for a picture outside the stadium in the sunshine before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Singer Shania Twain performs during halftime of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Buccaneers flag waves
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waves in front of a storm of confetti after the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: The Dixie Chicks perform the National Anthem before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: A giant Tampa Bay Buccaneers float excites the fans before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates the defeat of the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers salutes the fans after the victory against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Singer Gwen Stefani and No Doubt perform during half-time of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds his son in celebration of the defeat of the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Glen Burtnik on bass and James "JY" Young on guitar of Styx perform before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
An official ticket is your only way into Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: An official ticket is your only way into Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Head coach Jon Gruden
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers observes the players before Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Alstott and Pittman celebrate touchdown
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Fullback Mike Alstott #40 and runningback Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate Alstott's touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Bucs fans
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Grymes Cannon of Tampa, Florida tailgates before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Workers ready the field for the player introductions
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Workers ready the field for the player introductions with a giant Vince Lombardi Trophy replica already set up before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Gruden and the Lombardi Trophy
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds aloft the Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates after the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Cornell Green celebrates the win
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Cornell Green #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Keyshawn Johnson during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers answers questions during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Lynch celebrates the win
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: John Lynch #47 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Brad Johnson passes
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes under pressure from Chris Cooper #75 of the Oakland Raiders during Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Dwight Smith returns an interception for a touchdown
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Dwight Smith #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception of a Rich Gannon pass intended for Marcus Knight 50 yards for a touchdown in front of his head coach Jon Gruden at :12 of the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Qualcomm general view
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: General view of Qualcomm Stadium before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: A fan holds a sign supporting head coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Singer Shania Twain (C) performs during halftime of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Bucs beat the Raider 48-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Bucs beat the Raider 48-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII Post Game Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Rock band Bon Jovi perform after Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Bucs beat the Raider 48-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Carlos Santana (L) performs with Beyonce Knowles of Destiny's Child (R) before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: Carlos Santana performs before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XXXVII PreGame Show
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 26: STYX performs before the start of Super Bowl XXXVII between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Rebecca Butala/Getty Images)
Fan tries passing drill
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 23: A fan tries his skill with moving obstacles and target in a passing drill at the NFL Experience on January 23, 2003 in San Diego, California, California. The Oakland Raiders will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Shania Twain and No Doubt
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 23: (L-R) No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal, Shania Twain, No Doubt drummer Adrian Young , No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, and No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont stand with footballs at the press conference for the AT&T Wireless Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show at the Super Bowl Media Center in San Diego, California on January 23, 2003. Shania Twain and No Doubt will perform at halftime as the Oakland Raiders will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Qualcomm Stadium general view
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 21: Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California is decorated for the Super Bowl on January 21, 2003. The Oakland Raiders will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Johnson speaks during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO - JANUARY 21: Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fields questions from the press during Media Day on January 21, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Bucs will face the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Jon Gruden during Super Bowl media day
ShareSAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 21: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Media Day at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on January 21, 2003. The Buccaneers will play the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII which will take place on Sunday January 26. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)