Michael Penix Jr. homecoming could be Bucs’ backup plan at QB
By all accounts, both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield want to work out a long-term contract to keep the former No. 1 overall pick as their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.
That said, it’s still possible that another team could swoop in and snatch up Mayfield in free agency, which would leave the Bucs heading back to the drawing board at the game’s most important position.
If that happens, the Bucs could spend their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft on a quarterback prospect who knows the Tampa Bay area well.
Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. grew up in nearby Dade City, and played his high school football at Tampa Bay Tech. After spending four years at Indiana, Penix transferred to the Huskies, leading the nation in passing yards in each of his two seasons in Seattle.
Michael Penix, Jr. measurables are the buzz right now.
6-foot-2, as expected.
The rest…
81’ wingspan, 10.5 inch hands, 33 5/8 arm length.
His hand size is in the Top 10 all-time for QBs at the Combine, and is same as Anthony Richardson (6-foot-4) last year. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/rxoj3iBMWo
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 2, 2024
Now, Penix is among the most intriguing quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class, and could be an option for the Bucs at the No. 26 overall pick in the first round.
Nobody would argue the arm talent and production Penix brings to the table, but his age (he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie) and long injury history could leave him on the board longer than most passers with his talent and stats. Penix reportedly got a clean bill of health from his medical evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine, and showed off his impressive arm talent during the on-field drills, backing up his stellar film from the past two seasons.
If he’s still on the board when the Bucs go on the clock, and they’ve lost Mayfield to another suitor in free agency, a Tampa homecoming for Penix could usher in a new era for Tampa Bay under center.
