The retirement of Tom Brady has completely shifted the national perspective on the Bucs. If Brady had returned, the Bucs would have been a favorite to return to the Super Bowl for the second time in his three seasons there. In fact, if the Tampa Bay roster had been healthy this year, there’s a good chance the Bucs would be playing next Sunday. But the Bucs’ star quarterback has decided to call it a career, leaving his former team in flux.

Right now, there are no clear moves for the Bucs at quarterback. Blaine Gabbert will likely be re-signed for cheap, and second-round pick Kyle Trask will compete for a roster spot. But neither are capable of being anything close to what Brady was for this Tampa Bay offense. Few offenses in the NFL ask more from their quarterback in terms of carrying production. The Bucs will be aggressive in searching for trade options, but there are few easy solutions out there.

Still, that isn’t deterring members of the current roster. Playing at the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, edge defender Shaq Barrett’s expectations remain sky-high.

Bucs OLB Shaquil Barrett – Photo by: USA Today

“We most definitely are still going to be contenders,” said Barrett to the team’s website. “We’ve still got a lot of guys on the team who are hungry to have a taste of being in the playoffs, to have a taste of winning a Super Bowl. And I know the front office guys. They loved having a taste of the success that we had. So if anything, it’s a replication. Whoever it takes, we’re going to get those guys. And then the guys are going to make it happen, whatever we have to do. The offense has got to pick it up, the defense has got to pick it up, the special teams. Whatever it is, we’re going to make it happen.”

There is no question the Bucs offense is still loaded with talent. Wide receiver Mike Evans, guard Ali Marpet and tackle Tristan Wirfs are all Pro Bowlers under contract. Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen is a free agent, but could return. Wide receiver Chris Godwin is a Pro Bowl-caliber player who is likely to be re-signed in free agency. And left tackle Donovan Smith is coming off his best season yet.

The team will likely need to find offensive help on the interior offensive line, the No. 3 wide receiver spot, tight end and running back. But, relatively speaking, those are typically pretty affordable roles/positions. But without a quarterback, the team’s ceiling won’t be close to the Super Bowl. Even with most of the starting/important defensive pieces likely to return.

“Trying to find somebody to replace Tom Brady is impossible,” Barrett said. “There’s no other Tom Bradys out there. So we’re going to try to find the next best player and help them be the best person they can be. And then rally around him and try to build a contender again.”