In theory, Griffin is now the Bucs' No. 3 quarterback, but they will probably make an addition behind Tom Brady and Kyle Trask. 2021 No. 2 Blaine Gabbert remains unsigned. Griffin has been with the Bucs since 2015 but spent last season on the practice squad. He's a system arm who would never be allowed near the regular season field in the event of multiple injuries ahead of him. 

Griffin in 2020 served as Tampa's third string quarterback behind Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert; he wasn't active for a single game. A former undrafted free agent out of Tulane, Griffin, 31, is now the only QB on the Bucs' roster besides Brady. Griffin will probably spend the entire 2021 season holding a clipboard behind the indestructible Brady. 

As has been the case his entire career, Griffin's role was negligible, but he at least finally had an opportunity to see regular-season action for the first time in seven pro seasons. Griffin only was called in to handle a series for Jameis Winston during a Week 14 win over the Colts when the latter suffered what ultimately was determined to be a thumb fracture, Griffin otherwise played four snaps (but did not attempt a pass) at the end of a Week 15 blowout win over the Lions. Coach Bruce Arians certainly didn't seem to have any sense of urgency to afford Griffin game reps ahead of a potential starting job battle in 2020, even as Winston threw multiple interceptions in six of his last eight games. Therefore, it appears likely the veteran slots into a clear backup role again in 2020, assuming Winston is brought back on the franchise tag. However, if the team reverses course on its previously stated plans to have the 2015 first overall pick back under center next season, Griffin could potentially have an opportunity to make a play for the vacancy.

Griffin had an opportunity to make a regular-season pass attempt for the first time in an NFL career that dates back to 2013, subbing for Winston to start the second half while the latter was having his injured hand evaluated. Griffin's stint in the contest only lasted one drive, with his two completions going to O.J. Howard (five yards) and Dare Ogunbowale (13 yards). Winston is expected to play through what has been diagnosed as a broken thumb, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports, but Griffin will stand at the ready should he be called to fill in at any point over the last three games of the season.