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3 Greatest Quarterbacks in Buccaneers History

By michael obermuller

Who tops the list for Tampa Bay quarterbacks all-time?
Who tops the list for Tampa Bay quarterbacks all-time? / Focus On Sport/Getty Images
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the NFL in 1976 after being established two years prior. In their 46-year history, they have won one Super Bowl in 2002, which is also the only time they've won a Conference Championship.

Bucs quarterbacks have not been tremendous since the team entered the league, but there have been a few bright spots in Tampa history. Here are the top Buccaneers quarterbacks of all-time.

Best Buccaneers QBs

3. Vinny Testaverde (1987-92)

A gunslinger in its truest form, Vinny Testaverde probably isn't the first name that comes to mind for a list like this one after lasting only six seasons with the franchise as a former No. 1 overall pick, but he did post some impressive individual numbers during his tenure with the franchise. Second in passing yardage for the Bucs all-time and third in touchdowns, Testaverde could certainly chuck it (and had more success later in his career). His problem was limiting the interceptions. It's fair to point out that he was also the most sacked QB in Bucs history, so maybe Vinny just needed some more help to succeed in Cigar City.

2. Jameis Winston (2015-19)

Tom Brady ousted Jameis Winston from Tampa Bay, but he'll still go down as one of the best to ever wear the uniform.
Tom Brady ousted Jameis Winston from Tampa Bay, but he'll still go down as one of the best to ever wear the uniform. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

For whatever reason, Tampa Bay has seemed to gravitate toward all-or-nothing quarterbacks in its history, especially when drafting a QB high. Jameis Winston fits the Testaverde mold (as well as Josh Freeman), except he was actually more prolific. Breaking yardage and touchdown records with the franchise (but also interception records), Winston only lasted four seasons in Tampa after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2015. His only Pro Bowl came during his rookie season, but he did lead the NFL in passing yards in 2019, despite throwing 30 interceptions. Despite all this, Jameis boasts the top quarterback rating (and passing yards) in Bucs history among all players with more than two seasons in Tampa at 86.9 (19,737 yards).

1. Brad Johnson (2001-04)

Brad Johnson was a Super Bowl winner with the Bucs.
Brad Johnson was a Super Bowl winner with the Bucs. / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Brad Johnson may not have the kind of individual passing stats that Winston does, but Johnson did one thing no other Tampa Bay quarterback has ever done: win a Super Bowl. It may not have been because of his ridiculous quarterback play, but very few Bucs long-term QBs even have winning records (he did), so Johnson deserves credit for a championship and the success that built up to it. He was arguably the safest Tampa quarterback, with a QB rating of 83.2 and an interception percentage of 3.8. He was also a Pro Bowler in the Bucs' 2002 Super Bowl season. Even so, it might be fair for Tampa fans to hope the new QB in town is ready to place his own name on top of this list.

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Michael Obermuller is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Michael Obermuller also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username king_mizzard. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.