Maybe Jimmy Garoppolo wants to get a prove-it year before securing a long-term deal elsewhere. Credit: Terrell Lloyd/49ers

Ah, here we are again, trying to guess what the future holds for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when it comes to the most important position on the roster. With Tom Brady’s status as a Buc in the air for a second consecutive season, it’s time for another look at the potential options for the under center position for next season.

This is a realistic list that assumes Brady retires or otherwise moves on. No Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers, sorry.

Kyle Trask The most likely option, the former second rounder out of the University of Florida recorded his first NFL action in the regular season finale versus the Atlanta Falcons this past year. He was drafted for a reason, and it’s time for the Bucs to pull the trigger on giving him the keys for a season, even if only just to see what the team has.

Follow @ctbrantley12 on Twitter and listen to him on the RBLR Bucs podcast

Derek Carr Carr may very well end up traded elsewhere, and rightfully so. I’m of the opinion that he’s still got something to give an NFL team. But hey, instead of going for a full on rebuild, maybe the Bucs decide they’re still trying to contend for an awful division and make the playoffs again. Could be a lot worse. They could bring in…

Carson Wentz Oh God, the horror. Wentz hasn’t been a good QB for a few years now, and it’s long overdue for teams to give up on him as a starter. Assuming Washington cuts him, Wentz could be a very cheap option to bring in, even if just to spice up the competition with Kyle Trask. Or, worst-case scenario and we have to witness this dude replace Tom Brady. Pretty steep drop off.

Jimmy Garoppolo Another year, another Jimmy G inclusion in the QB list. He had a really productive year this past season and might be too pricey for the Bucs (it’s weird to type that sentence out), but never say never. He’s still had some down games over the years and has been carried by arguably the most talented roster in football (if you don’t include the QB position). So maybe he wants to get a prove-it year before securing a long-term deal, and the Bucs aren’t an awful situation for another former Patriot.

Matt Ryan LOL, I know right? After watching him pick apart the Bucs for so many years, this would be really strange. Nonetheless, Matty Ice was a huge letdown in Indy, but he’s a veteran presence who can at the very least offer Kyle Trask some guidance in how to be an NFL QB. As far as actual play, he might be the least attractive option on this list, but he’ll likely be in the Bucs’ price range.