Quarterbacks are the most important players in football. Every team dreams of finding that most precious treasure: a franchise quarterback that takes the team to new glory. These players aren’t ordinary signal-callers, but building blocks for a dynasty. Yet the reality is they are incredibly few in number.
The oldest NFL franchises have had literally dozens of quarterbacks on their rosters throughout their histories. However, the reality is that most fans only remember the two or three greatest quarterbacks who made the starting role their own for lengthy periods and/or brought glory to the team.
Today, let’s compare every NFL by their greatest franchise quarterbacks. We will rank them in order of success throughout the ages in this important position. One brilliant QB isn’t enough to earn a top position though, so there may be some surprises on this list. Check it out below via ESPN.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa has had dreadful luck as a franchise when it comes to franchise quarterbacks. The only one really worth mentioning is Brad Johnson. Solid, if unspectacular, he did the simple things very well and helped guide them to a Super Bowl victory in 2003. While his numbers were consistent, he definitely isn’t the greatest quarterback of his generation but is the most noteworthy in Bucs’ history.
Jameis Winston had a good first season but developed a notorious reputation for inconsistency and interceptions. Meanwhile, Doug Flutie had a solid start to his career in Tampa before leaving the franchise for bigger things. There are few franchises with as poor a record when it comes to the most important position in football. Drafting a 43-year-old Tom Brady is a testament to their lack of long-term planning.