Are Bucs tapping Florida’s Anthony Richardson to succeed Tom Brady? Gators QB reveals meeting with GM Jason Licht

Anthony Richardson and Tom Brady
Anthony Richardson and Tom Brady

Anthony Richardson is one of the most intriguing prospects entering the 2023 NFL draft. The Florida Gators quarterback demonstrated his elite athletic abilities during his college football career, showing off his dangerous legs and dynamic dual-threat skillset. His unique game may fit perfectly with the modern version of the NFL, but he also comes with some risk surrounding his throwing.

Several teams are expected to be interested in further analyzing Anthony Richardson during the 2023 NFL Combine ahead of the draft. One of those teams is apparently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He reportedly met with general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles for an interview.

Here's what Richardson had to say about their conversation:

"It went pretty well. Just getting to know them. Talking about my life. Talking about ball. Pretty well. It went pretty well.”

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The Buccaneers are expected to be in the market to acquire a new quarterback for the 2023 NFL season after Tom Brady officially announced his retirement. While they have Kyle Trask on their roster, it's unclear if they believe him to be the starting quarterback.

This is where Richardson becomes a potential draft target for Tampa Bay. They currently own the 19th overall pick, so it's possible he'll be the best quarterback available when they are on the clock, as long as he's not selected before then. He's currently projected by most draft experts to be a mid-first-round pick.


Anthony Richardson scouting report analyzed

Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson
Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson spent just one season as the featured starting quarterback for the Florida Gators. His passing statistics are a bit alarming for the 2022 season, completing just 53.8 per cent of passes with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games. Where he really thrived was running the ball, recording an impressive 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

Richardson clearly profiles as an elite rusher with a questionable arm. Due to the recent success of other run-first quarterbacks in the NFL, this may not necessarily be a bad thing for his outlook.

Lamar Jackson has already won an NFL MVP award, while Jalen Hurts reached the Super Bowl last season. Richardson is also listed as 6'4 and 235 pounds, so he's bigger and taller than Hurts and Jackson.

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Anthony Richardson's elite athleticism gives him more upside than almost any other quarterback in the 2023 draft. His unproven success throwing the ball also gives him a ton of bust potential. The 21-year-old appears to be a gamble that could pay off big in the right situation.

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