Just In: Buccaneers Closing In On Deal To Sign ‘Polarizing’ 33-TD QB

It might be a great fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to welcome a “polarizing” prospect.

Keff Ciardello of Pro Football Network projects that the Buccaneers will select quarterback Cameron Ward of the Miami Hurricanes with the ninth overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft. After signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year contract this offseason, Ciardello contends that Tampa Bay will probably be looking for their next franchise quarterback if they are picking in the top 10 in the draft the following year.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will probably be looking for a quarterback if they select in the top 10 in April of next year. It’s also possible that Cam Ward will emerge as their best signal-caller choice,” notes Ciardello.

Ciardello projected that Ward would be taken as the number two quarterback, behind Carson Beck of the University of Georgia. Ciardello extols Ward’s abilities, praising his “pinpoint accuracy” and “impressive velocity.”

There’s no doubting that Ward’s combination of alluring extension ability and pinpoint accuracy on tight-window throws due to impressive velocity generation could prove alluring for an NFL franchise, writes Ciardello. However, Ward is a polarizing prospect who some may consider unworthy of first-round capital.

Why Cameron Ward is Considered a Top QB Prospect

The 21-year-old Ward first filed to enter the draft after his 2023 campaign with the Washington State Cougars ended. But a few weeks later, he decided to go off course and enroll at the University of Miami instead.

One of the better quarterback prospects in the nation, according to some, is the 6-foot-2 Ward. In his 2023 season with the Cougars, Ward completed 66.6% of quarterback passes for 3,735 yards and ran for eight touchdowns against just seven interceptions.

Ward finished third in the Pac-12 league with 3,880 total yards and fourth with 33 touchdowns.

As opposed to many other elite prospects these days, Ward isn’t a quick or dual-threat quarterback. NFL Draft Buzz has actually compared Ward to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite being the last pick in the NFL draft of 2022, Purdy made an appearance in the Super Bowl with the Niners in 2023 and went on to become one of the top five MVP candidates.

Among Ward’s strongest qualities are his ball placement and zip, according to NFL Draft Buzz’s scouting report on the player.

“Possesses an NFL arm. Gets the ball from one hash to the opposite sideline in a hurry. Has the zip to hit tight windows on short and intermediate throws. Good zip and ball placement on the quick slant. Good touch down the seam and on post-corner, flag routes to attack the defense vertically and horizontally. Sticks throws into tight windows over the middle, throwing to spot on slant or between zone defenders before the receiver is open.”

Why the Buccaneers Could Select Cam Ward in 2025

Mayfield inked a three-year contract with the Buccaneers worth up to $100 million. After Mayfield had a career-best season and led Tampa Bay to an unexpected postseason appearance and victory, the transaction was all but certain.

That being said, it’s doubtful that Mayfield will be able to build on that season with another outstanding one. The majority of the Buccaneers’ star players from the previous campaign are back, but with Kirk Cousins in the fold, the Atlanta Falcons will pose a greater danger. It’s also important to note that Mayfield played for three different teams in the calendar year 2022.

If Mayfield falters to the point where the Buccaneers are selecting in the top 10 of next year’s draft, don’t be surprised if they target Ward.