5 Best Quarterbacks in Tampa Bay Buccaneers History

Having celebrated their 50th season in 2025, there is no denying that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a strange history at quarterback.

Neither Tom Brady nor Brad Johnson, the two quarterbacks who have brought a championship to Raymond James Stadium, joined the Bucs until well into their respective careers. Jameis Winston, who is arguably the best homegrown quarterback, didn’t make it beyond his rookie contract and once had a 30-interception season.

But if we were to compile a list of the greatest quarterbacks in Buccaneers history, where would that trio finish? What about Baker Mayfield, who led Tampa to consecutive playoff berths in his first two seasons? Does Vinny Testaverde warrant a spot?

To determine these rankings, we examined counting stats, team success, and the context of each player’s time with the organization.

5. Jameis Winston (2015-2019)

Winston’s NFL career is fascinating, partly because he’s gone from such a controversial figure to a beloved backup with an apparent future in sports media. But from an on-field perspective, should Winston be remembered as a bust?

The thought isn’t unreasonable, especially given that Winston was the 2015 draft’s No. 1 pick. He was a slightly above-average starter at his best in Tampa Bay, but he also had an ugly tendency for turnovers, which culminated in his infamous 30-interception campaign in 2019.

Winston only ranking No. 5 here will ruffle some feathers, but bring it on.

4. Doug Williams (1978-1982)

Best known as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, Williams began his career with the Buccaneers in 1978.

The No. 17 pick from Grambling State, he placed third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting despite throwing eight interceptions to seven touchdowns. Winning four of his 10 starts for a team that had gone just 2-26 in its first two seasons must have been enough to impress voters.

Although he struggled with interceptions, Williams went 33-33-1 as a starter and led the Buccaneers to three playoff appearances. You could definitely argue in favor of Winston for the No. 4 spot, but we’re going with Williams.

Team success must matter in lists like these, even if none of those three playoff berths resulted in a Super Bowl appearance.

And speaking of the Super Bowl…

3. Brad Johnson (2001-2004)

Look, Johnson may have benefited from an incredible defense on the 2002 Super Bowl team, but don’t let that fool you into thinking he was just a Checkdown Charlie.

He recorded a 61.8% completion percentage, nearly 11,000 yards, and a 64-41 TD-INT ratio over his four years with the Bucs.

And yes, there is no arguing that he was dreadful in a four-interception 2001 wild card round loss to the Eagles. But as we’ll continue to argue, everything is forgiven with a championship.

2. Baker Mayfield (2023-Present)

The Buccaneers’ 2023 gamble on Mayfield, who’d just come off a whirlwind season with the Panthers and Rams, is among the smartest quarterback-related moves that any team has made throughout the 2020s.

Cast out of Cleveland following the Deshaun Watson trade, Mayfield led the Buccaneers to consecutive playoff berths in his first two years.

Mayfield became the first player in franchise history with a 40-touchdown season, finishing with 41 during the 2024 campaign.

1. Tom Brady (2020-2022)

There aren’t too many quarterbacks you can say were the greatest for two different teams. Then again, there’s never been a quarterback as successful as Brady, who immediately won his seventh Super Bowl upon joining the Buccaneers in 2020.

Playing in the COVID season doesn’t change the fact that Tampa Bay went on the road and won three consecutive playoff games before returning home for the Super Bowl.

Brady won 32 of his 50 starts in Tampa and reached the postseason all three years. Only Winston has more passing yards and touchdowns in a Buccaneers uniform, and Brady ranks third in wins. Yep, that’ll do.

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