Will QB Drew Lock, RB Rashaad Penny Migrate To Tampa Bay?

Talking to ESPN after the Seahawks’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Lock praised Smith while suggesting that he could have a similar turnaround.

“[Geno] played his ass off all year, taught me a lot in the process,” Lock said. “He’s had a hell of a career fighting back to get to the position that he was in this year. It’s a testament to who he is as a player, but at the same time also gives some light to me.

“I wasn’t in near the position he was, being behind Russell for multiple years, [but] it gives guys like myself or some backups around the league [a reminder that] we’re all really, really good. We’re all here for a reason. We’re all here for a purpose. It was inspiring to be a part of it.”

Could he become a part of an uncertain Bucs’ quarterback depth chart? He does not move the needle like more experienced veterans like Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, and even Baker Mayfield do as options to replace the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady. Still, his experience in Canales’ system is an advantage no other quarterback has that is available. That includes Smith, who is unlikely to return to his home state of Florida.

A fresh start in Tampa Bay could allow Lock a longer leash and the playing time to “unlock” the ability he has flashed at times in his career. He would also be one of the most affordable options on the market. A realistic contract could be in the ballpark of one year for $2-3 million with further incentives.

For that price, it is a gamble worth taking if Canales believes he could turn Lock around as he did with Smith.

There’s Room For Two Rachaad/Rashaads In Tampa Bay

For Rashaad Penny, he may be had for “pennies on the dollar” in free agency. While he has been extremely productive on the field, his availability has been the biggest challenge in establishing himself as a featured back.

Over the span of 15 games in the past two seasons, he has averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per carry, amassing 1,095 yards on 176 carries, along with eight touchdowns.

On paper, those are elite numbers, but they come with an asterisk. In five NFL seasons, Penny has only averaged about 67 carries a season. He has yet to play a full season, with only 11 career starts. Could he be relied on to handle a season-long workload? That is a huge question for any interested teams to evaluate.