With which NFL team did Steve Young play in 1985-86 before moving to the San Francisco 49'ers?

Long before he became a Hall of Fame quarterback in San Francisco, Steve Young began his NFL journey on a struggling team in Florida. After a notable career in the now-defunct United States Football League (USFL), Young was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft. He signed a massive contract to become their franchise quarterback, taking the field for the team during the 1985 and 1986 seasons.

His time in Tampa was largely forgettable, defined by overwhelming team struggles. The Buccaneers were one of the league's worst teams, posting a dismal 2-14 record in both of Young's seasons there. His individual record as a starter was just 3-16, and the constant pressure and lack of a supporting cast made it nearly impossible for the gifted quarterback to succeed. The experience was so trying that Young's potential as an elite NFL player was seriously questioned.

Legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh, however, saw past the poor statistics and recognized Young's raw talent. Believing Young was the perfect long-term successor to Joe Montana, Walsh orchestrated a trade in 1987. With Tampa Bay holding the first overall pick and planning to draft quarterback Vinny Testaverde, they sent Young to the 49ers for a pair of draft picks in a deal now considered one of the most lopsided in NFL history.