The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to evaluate several veteran quarterbacks this offseason as they solidify their depth chart, and one familiar name around the league is Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo has built a reputation as an experienced starter capable of managing an offense and winning games when surrounded by the right supporting cast. During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, he helped guide the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl run, thanks to his quick release and efficiency in short- to intermediate-passing concepts. While injuries and roster transitions have impacted his consistency in recent seasons, his experience remains valuable.
One factor that could make Tampa Bay an especially logical landing spot is his familiarity with new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. With overlapping offensive concepts tied to modern West Coast styles, that familiarity could shorten the adjustment period and allow Garoppolo to step comfortably into a backup role while supporting the system’s implementation and making a smooth transition into a starting role if needed throughout the season.
For Tampa, the appeal would center on reliability and veteran presence. Garoppolo’s experience in structured offenses and high-pressure environments fits that role well, especially with experience under Robinson. That familiarity between both parties could be a selling point in a potential deal and provide a safety net for the Bucs if Mayfield were to miss any time due to injury, something he struggled with multiple times in 2025 but gutted through. Having someone like Garoppolo that could step in could give the team flexibility to sit Mayfield to heal if a similar situation were to happen again.
There’s also a financial component that makes sense. At this stage of his career, Garoppolo is unlikely to command a large contract. A one-year deal in the $4–8 million range would allow the Buccaneers to add proven veteran depth without depleting much-needed cap space to revamp their defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could Jimmy Garoppolo reunite with Bucs OC Zac Robinson?