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You Be The Bucs' GM: Pick The Quarterbacks

Tribune File Photos

If you were making the decision, who would be the Bucs' starter: Brian Griese, Josh Johnson or Luke McCown?

By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 17, 2009

Quarterbacks

Regardless of contract status, impact on the salary cap or position on the depth chart, who do you want to see on the Bucs next season?

Jeff Garcia

Brian Griese

Luke McCown

Josh Johnson

Click here to discuss your choices

The NFL free agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 27. That means the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 31 other teams have only a few precious days left to decide which of their free agents to bring back and who to pursue – and how much money to spend – when players hit the open market.

The Bucs are roughly $40 million dollars under the projected 2009 salary cap of $123 million. First-year general manager Mark Dominik is in charge of shaping the roster, and there are plenty of needs and variables to consider.

So, Bucs fans, what would you do?

Now is your chance. You be the GM.

For seven straight days, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com will feature one position each day. We'll provide an analysis of the position, and list the players to consider: Bucs under contract for 2009 and Bucs and notable NFL players scheduled to become free agents.

Armchairs aren't just for quarterbacks anymore.

QUARTERBACK

This is not the year to be looking for a starting quarterback in free agency. The best of the bunch are best suited to play a backup role, though there are some relatively young former starters available, such as Patrick Ramsey, Kyle Boller and Chris Simms.

With former Bucs starter Jeff Garcia saying he was told by Dominik that he would not be re-signed, the Bucs are on the lookout for someone who has starting experience and can at least push the likes of sixth-year pro Luke McCown for the starting spot.

Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter who served as the backup for the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers last season, could be a good fit. The Bucs' new offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski, likes to throw deep, and Leftwich has the arm to get the ball there, albeit a slow delivery.

Something to keep in mind is the success Jagodzinski has had developing young quarterbacks such as Matt Ryan, the former Boston College star and the Atlanta Falcons No. 1 overall pick. It's possible the Bucs believe he could take someone such as Boller or Ramsey and turn him into a more efficient and effective quarterback.

Bucs Under Contract for 2009

Luke McCown – Re-signed and ready to prove he's worthy of the starter's job.

Brian Griese – Experienced and intelligent, but not a physical force.

Josh Johnson – Drafted in the fifth round last year with an eye toward the future.

Bucs Potential Free Agents

Jeff Garcia – Says he was told by the new GM his two-year run as the Bucs' starter is over.

NFL Potential Free Agents

J.P. Losman, Bills – Has all the tools but is inconsistent and shaky under duress.

Byron Leftwich, Steelers – Not real mobile, but still young and has experience.

Patrick Ramsey, Broncos – A little less pressure and a change of scenery may be all he needs.

Rex Grossman, Bears – Maybe a return to Florida will help him find his game again.

Chris Simms, Titans – The Bucs know as well as anyone what his strong arm can do.

Brooks Bollinger, Cowboys – Average in every way, and he lacks starting experience.

Dan Orlovsky, Lions – Has even less experience than Bollinger.

Charlie Frye, Seahawks – It's never good when the Browns give up on you.

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'You Be The GM' Categories

Tuesday: Quarterback

Wednesday: Defensive line

Thursday: Offensive line

Friday: Linebackers

Saturday: Running backs

Sunday: Defensive backs

Monday: Receivers/Tight ends

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