When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Josh McCown in free agency, new head coach Lovie Smith was quick to name him the team starter. Mike Glennon had played most of the 2013 season as the starting quarterback in Tampa Bay, but Smith opted to go with his former quarterback after the two worked together in Chicago. However, is that job as secure as originally indicated? A visit from Johnny Manziel says no.
According to Albert Breer of NFL.com, the Buccaneers are bringing in Manziel for a visit after he wraps up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The quarterback has visited almost every team with a top-ten draft pick and Tampa Bay is simply next on the list. The Buccaneers have not been linked to a top quarterback during the draft process, but appear very intrigued by the former Texas A&M star. Is this interest legit or is it simply to drive up Manziel's stock so the Buccaneers can get someone else?
Manziel would certainly fit. McCown is a good veteran, but at 34 his playing days are nearing an end. Glennon could be good, but not enough to take the team to the postseason. There is no saying that Manziel could jump in and immediately be better than both, but he would certainly be a great option.
The interest in Manziel comes after Glennon expressed his desire for an open quarterback competition. While Smith and Glennon have discussed his position on the team, the second-year pro is expecting to remain in consideration for the top spot.
"He just said, 'to start out, there's got to be a person to start that goes out with the first group first and that person is Josh," Glennon said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "...Lovie said to me and to the team yesterday the best players are going to play. And I don't think that's any different for the quarterback position."
The Buccaneers have also hosted Teddy Bridgewater and are expected to glance at Blake Bortles as well. Many draft experts have the team pegged to draft a wide receiver after trading Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills and drafting another quarterback in a later round. But, if any of those three options are available when the team drafts, expect Smith to make a move.
