“Your Standards Are A Little Bit Different Than Jimmy Garoppolo When You Lose Tom Brady”

February 4th, 2022

The Buccaneers need a quarterback, and they also need a quarterback capable of stepping in successfully — mentally and physically — for a legend who just threw 43 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions.

Replacing Tom Brady is a rough role on a veteran-laden Bucs team expected to win its division. There will be plenty of pressure, and not every player is used to a Bruce Arians kind of coach who is happy to verbally assault you.

There aren’t many options, as Bucs fans know well. Aaron Rodgers is an unlikely dream and Russell Wilson would cost a load of draft picks (well worth it), but Joe’s not sure why the Packers or the Seahawks would want to trade either quarterback within the NFC.

The latter could be said for Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo, but Jimmy GQ is neither a Pro Bowler or expensive, and San Francisco won’t be able to fetch much for him on the open market. Maybe a late second-round pick. Maybe.

Former Bucs receiver turned ESPN voice Keyshawn Johnson calls Jimmy GQ “a good fit” for the Bucs. But not that good.

“I think it would be interesting to see (laughs); [with Jimmy GQ] I think [the Bucs] are a playoff team. There is no question that they are a playoff team,” Johnson said this week on ESPN Radio. “But when you win a Super Bowl, your standards are a little bit different than Jimmy Garoppolo when you lose Tom Brady. … Jimmy G may be better suited for me and my money with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Would Niners GM John Lynch help his old friend Mike Tomlin out with a trade of Jimmy GQ to Pittsburgh? Or would he prefer to assist Bucs general manager Jason Licht and Lynch’s beloved Buccaneers? Licht and Lynch were trade partners in 2020.

Regardless, Joe thinks Jimmy GQ is an acceptable fit for the Bucs to make a one-year sprint to another Super Bowl. He’s hardly the only guy on Joe’s list, but with the Bucs defense playing to its capabilities and a more consistent run game, the Bucs would be hard to beat.

56 Responses to ““Your Standards Are A Little Bit Different Than Jimmy Garoppolo When You Lose Tom Brady””

  1. zzbucs Says:

    99 out of 100 times I am against what K Johnson says…..but this time he has a point…..

  2. Pelbuc Says:

    Would love to see BA and Licht pursuade Andrew Luck out of retirement. If not, Garapolo would be the best available without breaking the bank.

  3. Mike Says:

    I don’t see where Garappolo makes sense for the Bucs. Better to give the keys to Trask and see what he can do, then we can see what shakes out as far as QB’s in FA and the draft the year after, once we have seen whether Trask is up to the task or not.

  4. Buc4evr Says:

    Sadly, JimmyG is all we are going to get. Rodgers bought property and is building a home in TN, so what does that tell you? Wilson won’t get traded to the nfc, so it’s probably either JimmyG, or Winston. As far as Carr, I’d rather just start Trask.

  5. Robert Says:

    Start Trask…….this year will be a $hitshow IMO opinion anyways. Let him get his legs under him as we sort out the OG’s and draft/FA younger.

    Everyone hated Gruden for old dudes, yet everyone wants to keep our old dudes. lol

  6. Alanbucsfan Says:

    The 49ers would want a 1st round pick for Garoppolo. He has a winning record, has been to Super Bowl and 2 NFC Championship games.
    Yes, he has some flaws, but still, he’s a winner.
    49ers aren’t giving him up for a late 2nd round pick – that’s dreaming.

  7. Lamarcus Says:

    This doesn’t make sense for Jimmy!! I’m pretty sure the “MF” doesn’t want Brady shadow…again!!!

    I’m pretty sure this is what Joe wants otherwise this is a non story and false hope

  8. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    Gotta agree with Keyshawn. However, as a one year bridge qb, the JG would be acceptable.

  9. Marine Buc Says:

    Pass on Jimmy G… SF will want draft picks from us and he is scheduled to be paid $27 million next season.

    We can’t afford that unless we are ok with not signing most of our free agents.

  10. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Pelbuc Says:
    February 4th, 2022 at 10:50 am
    Would love to see BA and Licht pursuade Andrew Luck out of retirement. If not, Garapolo would be the best available without breaking the bank.

    I’ve been floating this idea from the get-go…..and, I’m quite sure they will give Luck a call…at least.

    It would be a great fit for him with our Oline & weapons…..far better than anything he had at Indy…..

  11. Jordan Says:

    This all sounds great, but we can’t pull off a trade without trading a player.

    So, who are you giving away in a trade? We don’t have the cap space for a pick for player deal, and to be able to sign most of our free agents at the same time.

    We don’t have a ton of trade ammo anymore cause a ton of guys will be unrestricted free agents.

    We’re probably going to ride with Trask and Gabbert, and built a team around them. Maybe draft another QB as well.

  12. Brady's Bucs Skeleton Says:

    Jimmy Garoppolo, John Garoppolo, Aaron Rodgers, Paul Rodgers, Jameis Winston, Winston Churchill… it doesn’t matter. Tampa should concern themselves with fixing the defensive secondary and improving their pass rush before thinking about playoffs in 2022. Packers, Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, and Rams, among others, will be hungry and will feast on Tampa’s defense if the aforementioned woes aren’t addressed.

  13. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    Opinions are fine. (Unfortunately).

    Erroneous facts within those opinions and supposed suggestions, are not.

    Do your homework gang.

  14. Marine Buc Says:

    @ TBBF

    “without breaking the bank”

    I disagree – Jimmy G’s $27 million dollar price tag would most certainly break the Bucs bank this year.

    If your Ok with letting Godwin, Davis and Jenson go then Jimmy G is your man.

  15. HC Grover Says:

    Good Grief. Just put Trask in there.

  16. Ash Says:

    They are not trading for Jimmy g it would cost too much they will probably just sign Gabbert he already knows the system keep their draft picks fill some holes make a stronger team for 2023 and see what they have with Trask and a more solid team around him.

  17. Tye Says:

    I feel as though if it does end up being Jimmy G, the Bucs should be competitive and have a good chance to repeat as NFC south champs!

    Saints kept beating BUCs for years BUT lost Brees, have no qb talent, lost HC Payton, Cap issues…
    Panthers have been a mess and not changing much…
    Falcons are the team that may be better than years past…

  18. CChead Says:

    Jimmy G. All he does is win. Who gives a f*ck how he gets it done. Let Trask backup 1or 2 more years. Hes never even dressed for a NFL game. He will get some playing time and we will see how he looks. Then Bucs can make an educated decision after he sees some live real game action. Until then, why go into a season with a good roster and cross your fingers on Trask and “hope” he can play.

  19. Craig Says:

    Purchasing Jimmie GQ would be a waste. He will get hurt, as usual, and Trask will play anyway.

    Let us see what Trask offers, he will surprise half of us, the question is which half.

  20. Swampbuc Says:

    Jimmy Grappleblows is only successful with a ferocious defense that hides his blunders. The dude has a knack for making a horrible play at the worst possible time, kind of like if Brian Griese and Chris Simms had a baby.

    This Bucs defense and its inconsistencies, multiplied by the exposure that Todd’s Bowels got as a choke artist in the Rams game, means Grappleblow will be an 8-9 quarterback for the Bucs at best. No.

    No.

  21. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Jimmy G not expensive?

    Isn’t his contract at least $27 million? And he’s not a FA so he’ll also cost draft picks. For a non-Pro Bowler?

    This is getting absurd.

  22. jvato24 Says:

    For those saying Jimmy G won’t break the bank, he is paid 25 million a year, may cost a 2nd round pick, we have 20 free agents, a few top coveted FAs at that, and 20 million cap space, How is that not breaking the bank?
    QB salary is all relative. Garoppolo would be paid top-15 money. A good and healthy veteran is $20 million or more.–Joe

  23. Chuck Says:

    IMO…. Definitely a hard no to 30-30 bust Winston. Either keep Gabbert on a cheap 1-yr deal with incentives or trade no more than a 3rd rd pick for Jimmy GQ so Trask has a veteran to learn from as he continues to develop into the eventual QB1. Just my 2 cents for whatever it’s worth. Cheers, Krewe

  24. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Marine Buc Says:
    February 4th, 2022 at 11:20 am
    @ TBBF

    “without breaking the bank”

    I didn’t say that……it was a copy from another post…..I am hoping for Andrew Luck….

    As far as the Garrapalo money…..the $27 mil would be negotiated into a longer term deal….reducing the 1st year amount….

    I am still in favor of going with Trask and saving the money……sure he may fail….but what if he doesn’t. We only will have a year invested….and then we can make our move for a QB in 23.

  25. Buczilla Says:

    Jimmy isn’t worth half of what he’s making. Hell no, stick with Trask.

  26. BigPoppaBuc Says:

    I’d take Bridgewater over Jimmy G. Jimmy G would be a square peg in a round hole and Licht would have to give up too much.
    And those who keep mentioning Andrew Luck clearly have not seen him lately. There’s NO WAY he’s playing football in the near future or probably ever.
    It’s time…. To trust in Trask.

  27. PolkFan Says:

    Jimmy G ain’t it. I think it’s pretty clear we’ve seen he’s not the man even with elite talent around him. There has to be some confidence in Trask, IF they don’t think Trask is the man… Trade up, take Malik Willis and give the keys to him & Byron when BA is done. The dynamic quarterbacks that run 4.4s and chuck it 70 yards are taking over the league and i’d like us to have one.

  28. Bobby M. Says:

    This is reality….there’s a waiting list of season ticket holders/buyers that will evaporate if the Bucs don’t piece together a roster that gives fans a reason to be optimistic. I think folks can remain optimistic with JG….or anyone better. Cam Newton….not going to cut it. Minshew, who I find intriguing but also not going to create much hope. Wentz….meh.

    Bucs better land someone or make the quick call to start Trask to show confidence in him or the fans interest will fade quick. So many folks were buying extra tix, then selling them with Brady here. Now I hear folks saying they’ll buy the bare minimum to hold their spot but nothing more.

  29. Joe in Michigan Says:

    I keep think the Bucs need a Jim Plunkett-type, who the Raiders got off the scrap heap and won a Super Bowl with him as the starting QB. I wouldn’t want the Bucs to have to give up high draft picks, or a huge salary…Nick Foles?

  30. Joe in Michigan Says:

    *Thinking

  31. Marine Buc Says:

    @ TBBF

    Gotcha… I don’t believe Jimmy G is the answer here.

    Having to give up draft picks and his salary (no guarantee he will restructure).

    All for a mediocre often injured QB who does not fit our current offensive system.

    I agree with you on Trask.

  32. Tacklebockwin Says:

    Since we are talking QB I figured to list two guys nobody is talking about that could play in our system. I’m not super high on either one, but they should be considered in this weak FA QB class.

    1. Andy Dalton
    2. Mike White

    I prefer both these guys over most FA QB options. However, I think Bucs will roll with Trask.

  33. Buc king Says:

    You know what I’m sick of people saying we have 20 million in salary this is obviously false……..asf…..
    Every free agent money we was paying them is now available…
    Jpp 10+mil suh 10+mil brady 15+mil Jensen 12+mil godwin 18+mil
    Gronk 11+mil oj Howard 5+mil the list really goes on.
    But as you see that’s aline 77million in unspent money unless we sign them all back at that price…only one whose still worth his money is gronk…jpp banged n older..suh older..brady gone..Jensen prob gone and soen his money to resign cappa n stinnie..oj gone..godwin gotta be cheaper after the injury unless he just unwilling to work with us I’m thinking 5yr contract averaging 15mil a yr ….I’m just sick of people playing like we ate broke…not to mention we have 4 players we can renegotiate contracts with to free up at least another 15mil easy…after the draft the bucs will be showing their hand….I said sign Winston to a 2 yr contract n 3yr option give him 6mil to 7 plus nice incentives bring him home have him compete with the rookie..if the rookie wins..sit Winston as a back up or trade him for a 4th or 5th round. I think only way we these big names like rodgers Wilson or Watson is if they force the teams to release them..I don’t understand why Watson isn’t a free agent because he didn’t play and to my understanding if you don’t play/hold out for a yr then your a free agent eligible???

  34. Tacklebockwin Says:

    Dalton UFA, White RFA

  35. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    Lol, But King you were doing fine, until the last sentence. Hence why I posted what I did above earlier!

    Watson merely was paid by Houston to stay home. There are no such provisions that you’re alluding to.

    He is still under contract, and for 2022, he has a fully guaranteed $35 milly salary. That of course currently is Houston’s responsibility, BEFORE ANY NEGOTIATIONS begin with any acquiring team. See prior Brock Osweiler trade, and others, on trading teams eating salary for better draft pick package.

    But no, Drawing is still under contract.

  36. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    *Buc King

  37. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    Autocorrect sux…Deshaun is under contract

  38. Jabuc Says:

    I don’t understand all the hate for Jimmy G, sure he’s not Tom Brady but he’s also not Baker Mayfield. I like it, he would be a solid transition

  39. Simeon97 Says:

    BB wanted Jimmy G. Jimmy G doesn’t care about being in TB shadow.

    How is mike white even under consideration by some? Guy has played in 4 games. Cause he played in Tampa already?

    I’d like to see Trask play, but not at the expense of losing key FA to other teams. Garrappalo can win with this team. Trask may not have this team.

  40. Bqen green Says:

    If any QB needs good coaching, it’s Jimmy G. He has a great win/loss, but played on a loaded roster, with an incredible running attack. Very seldom was Jimmy asked to win games. The coaching just isn’t there with the bucs. Jimmy isn’t exactly cautious with the football. In ole ammonia brain’s offense, the picks would flow like wine. Jimmy isn’t in love with football either. He thinks of it more like a job than a passion. He’s in it to make as much as he can, winning be damned. He’s also incredibly injury prone. For someone who backed up Brady, you’d expect him to learn how not to get hurt. It was exactly the opposite. Blowing out his knee while trying to get three extra yards. Constantly falling on his shoulders. Never has Ben seen a QB with such a lack of awareness for his safety. The best ability is availability is what my master always preached.
    Tell ammonia brain to go get his perverted slime ball of a friend Big Ben outta retirement. It would be fun to watch on so many levels.

  41. Bqen green Says:

    Simeon, Bill did indeed want Jimmy. He wasn’t willing to take a pay cut. They had the compensation all done. Jimmy axed it at the last minute.

  42. New England Patriots Fan Says:

    Rodgers and Wilson are not coming to Tampa. Andrew Luck weighs 170lbs now and will never play in the NFL again. He looked exceptionally thin 2 weeks ago on TV. There is no one in the draft worth taking beyond a top 5 picks. The best available QBs are Cousins, Carr, Tannehill, Garropollo, Winston, Newton, Watson, Wentz, Tua and Baker. Most of those QBs on that list will require trading of some picks unless they are free agents. Carr is likely off the market with hiring of Josh. Of the list I provided Watson is best, followed Cousins and Jimmy G. Watson will require 2 first and something else to get, which Tampa won’t do. The bets options are Jimmy or Cousins.

  43. Pewter Power Says:

    No joe sorry he’s not. You are comparing how he plays in that system where he’s been a while to what you think he’s do in this new offense learning on the fly. No he won’t have the confidence or understanding of it to play how he did last year. He is not worth the draft compensation at all in BA’s system.

    I have the feeling the Bucs will act as if they owe gabbert a chance to run the offense because of Licht sense of loyalty.

  44. Jon Juergensen Says:

    We couldn’t get to the Super Bowl this season WITH Tom Brady. We are not going to get there next season with ANYONE ELSE. As such, it is time to butch up and start developing players for the future, starting with Trask at quarterback. With a lesser team, Trask outplayed Alabam’s Mac Jones in the 2020 SEC Championship and Jones started this season for the Patriots and did well. But then Belichick knows football.

  45. Jon Juergensen Says:

    “But when you win a Super Bowl, your standards are a little bit different than Jimmy Garoppolo when you lose Tom Brady.”

    The Bucs didn’t win a Super Bowl this season. They didn’t even get there. WITH Tom Brady. So we aren’t going to be Super Bowl material next season with ANYONE ELSE. Time to develop for the future. Trask.

  46. Simeon97 Says:

    There isn’t a doubt in my mind that if this team was healthy it would have been in the superbowl next week. I also think that brady getting hit constantly in that rams game influenced his decision to retire.

  47. Swampbuc Says:

    If Grappleblow is the answer then why are John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan committed to moving on from him?

  48. SKBucsFan Says:

    I can’t wait for the season to start so I don’t have to hear about how we need to trade the future away and increase our salary cap issues for mediocre QBs. We have a 2nd rounder that should be given a chance.

    This is as bad as all the “experts” on here that believe we should waste a 1st round pick on an RB or CB. Keep Trask upright with enough time to pass and he will be able to perform.

  49. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Swampy:
    A fair question as to the 49er decision to “move on”
    from Jimmy G-String. Sure looks like they overplayed their hand and are now pot committed to TreyLance. Shanarat has a habit of blowing double digit leads in big games. Remember he was the OC for the Falcons when they blew a 25 point lead with just over 18 minutes to go in a Super Bowl. His play calling was just plain stupid during that 18 minute stretch. Some team will probably cough up a 1st rounder for Jimmy G ( believe it or not ). That’s the market/going rate for a decent starting qb these days.

  50. Boston Says:

    You have not seen Jimmy G go deep down the field and you don’t want to. BA would have throw out anything more than 10 yards down the field.

  51. JimmyJack Says:

    Im already getting tired of hearing Garoppolos name circling the rumors.

    It doesnt make any sence to me. Garappalo is one of the last guys I would think about running a pass heavy verticle offense. I dont even get how he is in the conversation. And the Bycs are going to trade for a guy who isnt capable of running this offense. Where is the logic?

    Maybe theres a chance Bruce thinks Grapolo has some untapped porential. Seems unlikely and until then Bucs fans should focus on guys who are rational fits for our offense. Off the top of my head Id say Carr, Cousins, Dalton, Fitzmagic…….I would even throw Winston in there though he is an irrational fot for other reasons.

  52. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    Not that I have to, but I will.

    Good thing the Chowda-heads at 1:12 likely love and stay up there. Those of US, born/raised/and live in Tampa, have a continual better grasp on what the intelligent front office of the Bucs might, and should do. Not Chowda-heads. Besides, who’s better at beaching the Sox, than the Rays?! Hmm?

    If an intelligent person, and that’s a big IF up there, were to think it through on exactly where the Bucs NOW draft in 2022 in each round, they would know and properly strategize accordingly, that a #27 pick isn’t all that attractive to the team that currently has it. BUT, packaged properly, with 2023 picks also, and a player or two that the minor league team that is the Texans, likely (with owner’s permission granted then) can intelligently call a longtime Chowda-head employee in Caserio, to make something work…for Watson.

    THAT…would nullify the chowda-heads nonsensical blah blah of “Tampa won’t do that”.

    Plus…the chowda-heads lovely recommendation, of “Cousins”, well, news flash crab between the ears, Kirk is 33, signed for one more year, $35 milly salary in 2022. He ain’t retiring in 2023. So he’ll need to be re-signed in conjunction with any trade, to a longer contract and to lower the cap hit, SO…chowda-head…

    Does anybody in their RIGHT mind, want a 26 year old, with a cannon arm and 15 years ahead of him, making $35 milly, or does someone other than “right” want a 33 year old with skiddish feet in the pocket, and softer noodle arm yet precise, both of whom require draft pick compensation to procure, and need to be re-signed.

    Think future posts anywhere…through. Chowda.

  53. Gunnin4Ya Says:

    5:50 post…catchin cobwebs. Why?…Go.

  54. steele Says:

    Jittery G completely wore out his welcome in SF. Lynch and Shanahan know that Jittery had a ceiling, and it was reached. He was given a golden opportunity on an otherwise fine team to prove that he could overcome his turnover and panic tendencies, and he failed again. That, plus local clamoring for a Kaepernick type drove them to Trey Lance. Belichick knew Jittery’s ceiling and his many weaknesss, and his fragility, and kept quiet about it. In hindsight, he fleeced SF.

    Pittsburgh? Jittery is hardly a Terry Bradshaw, is the wrong fit for a supposedly tough team representing a tough blue collar town! Washington, a weird Daniel Snyder team that never seems to know what it is, seems like a better fit for Jittery. And Denver is only interested if they fail to land someone much better, in their eyes.

  55. Captain Dan Lawrence Says:

    I wonder if the expectations for Trask would be different with a darker complexion. I suspect that he would babe so Many supporters that they would Have to play him like Justin fields. Personally I wouldn’t trade him for Fields!

  56. stpetebucsfan Says:

    We are obviously NOT going to replace Brady.

    We do not have to replace Brady. Realistically we need to replace Brad Johnson our first SB winning QB. Or even Trent Dilfer who won with Baltimore.

    We need a good QB not a great one if we continue to draft well on the D side of the ball. Mock drafts have us picking an A&M DL and a CB out of Miss State.

    We have perhaps the best nose guard in the game…Tryon Shorinka had a decent rookie season showing a lot of upside…sign Carlton Davis and safeties are among the best in the league.

    The past two years we had the luxury of watching GREAT offense. To win in 2022 I think we’re going to have to entertain D.R. and build the best D in the game with a QB of Brad or Trent’s capabilities.