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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a very fortunate bunch.
While a club like the Indianapolis Colts have struggled to keep their quarterbacks healthy, the Buccaneers have a pretty nice insurance policy just in case Jameis Winston goes down with injury. A guy who could come in, manage the clock well, throw some touchdowns, and help this team win a few games.
That insurance policy is Mike Glennon.
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Glennon wasn't the best quarterback in the league, but was reliable and productive, despite the fact that the Buccaneers offensive line was often tepid at best. In 2013, Glennon showed signs that he belonged in the big show, passing for 2,608 yards with 19 touchdowns. In 2014, in limited duty, he passed for 1,417 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Glennon isn't that shabby.
Mike Glennon has accepted his role gracefully as Jameis Winston's backup in Tampa Bay. (Courtesy of Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.com thinks that Glennon is a diamond in the rough.
"With Jameis Winston in town and the Bucs a rebuilding team, and Glennon getting deeper in his rookie deal, this makes a lot of sense. The Bucs need draft picks and Winston will do well to have a veteran backup around him moving forward -- a guy who has already seen everything."
Fortunately, Winston has stayed injury free, and has proven that he has the tools to be one of the elite passers in football. Good news for Buccaneers fans, but where does that leave Glennon? Despite the fact that he is a solid #2 option, that doesn't help his potential as a future NFL starter.
Mike Glennon had a pretty nice 2013, where he passed for over 2,600 yards and 19 TD's. (Courtesy of Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
So where does he go from here?
He obviously deserves a chance to shine. There will be a few teams out there looking for a quality quarterback after the season. If the Bucs decide to keep Glennon, that's a good thing for the franchise, but here's a couple of destinations that could be a good fit for the former NC State star.
Potential Destinations for Mike Glennon
1. San Francisco 49ers
This is a team that doesn't really know who they are right now. After the departure of rock star coach Jim Harbaugh and a bevy of players, the Niners have stumbled to a 4-11 record. Questions on whether Colin Kaepernick will be back next year, and if Blaine Gabbert is the long-term answer opens up the rumor mill on who will be the quarterback going into 2016. If the Niners lose on Sunday against the Rams, they could finish with a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft, and use that to select their QB of the future. If not, Glennon could be a nice addition to this team, which has been ravaged by massive turnover.
2. Cleveland Browns
This team has not had a stable quarterback since Vinny Testaverde, and that was during the Clinton administration. It's obvious that Johnny Manziel isn't the answer, and while Josh McCown has been decent, he has been hurt a lot this year. This team needs a complete makeover. Perhaps Mike Pettine or whomever is the Browns coach next year brings Glennon in, and gives him the opportunity to realize his true potential.
But then again, this is the Browns.
3. Houston Texans
Despite the fact that the Texans have had a ferris wheel of quarterbacks and no running game to speak of, they are on the verge of winning the AFC South. That's definitely a credit to JJ Watt, the 11th ranked defense, and the coaching of Bill O'Brien. Brian Hoyer has shown flashes of brilliance, and has thrown for 2,357 yards this year with 18 TD's, but will this Brian Hoyer show up next year? Perhaps the Texans take a chance on Glennon, and let him compete with Hoyer for the starting job in 2016.
If Glennon is allowed to spread his wings, I think Houston is a nice fit for him. He would have a nice receiver in DeAndre Hopkins, who has been Superman this year with 1,432 yards and 11 touchdowns. Arian Foster should also return in 2016, and he would take pressure off Glennon considerably.
While Houston might be a good fit for Glennon, sports radio host TJ Wilson of the Fantasy Sports Hour for Cumulus Radio in Abilene, Texas doesn't think it will be as a starter.
"I think Glennon ends up in Houston," Wilson said. "But I don't think he will be a starting quarterback. He is a perfect number 2. Bill O'Brien likes those type of quarterbacks, so I see Glennon being a good fit in Houston.....as a backup."
Obviously, Glennon has been patient and has shown tremendous class while the Buccaneers have established Winston as their guy. Hopefully, one day he will get to show his talents on a National stage. Will he get the opportunity to showcase those talents?
Time will tell.