Byron Leftwich is once again a quarterback for a Florida NFL team but this time is sure to have a happier ending. Leftwich signed a two year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today and should come in right away and compete for the starting job against Luke McCown, Josh Johnson and Brian Griese. Here is why Leftwich could become a quality starter along with a very good fantasy option during his time in Tampa.
During his time in Jacksonville as a Jaguar, nobody doubted Leftwich's talent. He had a very strong arm and when in a rhythm is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The only problems are his long release and his lack of mobility. Even though he has worked to shorten his release, it wasn't Leftwich's fault that the Jaguars offensive line was average and couldn't hold up long enough to let him throw the ball. This and lots of pressure from the fans led to the Jaguars cutting Leftwich before the 2007 season and going with David Garrard as their starter.
From there Leftwich went on to play for the Falcons and he struggled as he came in during the middle of the season and didn't have the opportunity to digest the playbook as he only threw for 279 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Last year Leftwich was the backup for the Steelers and was arguably the best backup quarterback in the league. When Ben Roethlisberger went down on Monday Night Football against the Redskins Leftwich came in and went seven of ten for 129 yards and a touchdown to lead the Steelers to victory in front of his family and friends from his hometown.
Now Leftwich is a Buccaneer and he has the potential to be a very good fantasy quarterback. In Jacksonville Leftwich didn't have any weapons in the passing game other than Jimmy Smith. Now he has Antonio Bryant at receiver who is coming off a career season and Kellen Winslow who when healthy, is one of the league's best pass catching tight ends. The running game isn't too bad either as the Bucs signed Derrick Ward this offseason who is fresh off his first 1000 yard campaign as a Giant and Ernest Graham who in 2007 ran for 898 yards and ten touchdowns. The offensive line is also an upgrade over what he had in Jacksonville as Davin Joseph should be a staple at the Pro Bowl for years to come at Guard and Jeremy Trueblood is a decent option at tackle.
Overall, Leftwich finally has all the tools and weapons to show everyone the kind of player people thought he would be after being the 7th pick in the 2003 draft out of Marshall. This move can also prevent the Bucs from taking a quarterback in the first round as they now have Leftwich who at worst will be a very good one year option that will keep the Bucs competitive in a very tough NFC South.
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