The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a new era in 2023, one without the legendary Tom Brady under center. The future Hall of Famer’s retirement has left a significant void at the quarterback position, prompting the Buccaneers to explore their options during the offseason.
The team signed veteran Baker Mayfield to a one-year contract and also have third-year quarterback Kyle Trask waiting in the wings. Both players will be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job throughout the offseason workout program and preseason.
A New Offense and a New Starting Quarterback
Adding another layer of intrigue to the quarterback competition is the arrival of new offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Canales, who comes to Tampa Bay after serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks, will be implementing a new offense that’s expected to be more run-based than in years past.
With a new offense to learn and the weight of replacing a legend on their shoulders, both Mayfield and Trask will have a lot to prove if they want to be the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback in 2023.
Baker Mayfield: A Fresh Start and a Chance to Prove Himself
At 28, Baker Mayfield is the more experienced of the two quarterbacks vying for the starting job. He’s played six seasons in the NFL, spending time with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams. Over his career, Mayfield has thrown for 16,288 yards and 102 touchdowns.
Mayfield’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. He showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Cleveland, leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. However, inconsistency and injuries have plagued him in recent years.
Now, Mayfield has a chance to hit the reset button in Tampa Bay. He’ll be working with a talented offensive coordinator in Dave Canales and will have a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Kyle Trask: Learning from the Best and Waiting for His Opportunity
Kyle Trask, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has spent the past two seasons learning behind Tom Brady. While he’s only played in two regular-season games, Trask has gained invaluable experience from observing one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
During his time as Brady’s understudy, Trask had the opportunity to soak up knowledge and learn the nuances of playing the position at the highest level. He’s also built relationships with his teammates and is familiar with the Buccaneers’ offensive system.
At 6’5″, Trask has the size and arm talent to be successful in the NFL. However, he lacks experience and will need to demonstrate significant progress during training camp and the preseason to convince the coaching staff that he’s ready to take the reins of the offense.
John Wolford: Adding Experience and Familiarity to the Quarterback Room
In addition to Mayfield and Trask, the Buccaneers also signed veteran quarterback John Wolford to add depth to the position. Wolford, who spent the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, has experience playing in Dave Canales’ offensive system. He also briefly played alongside Baker Mayfield last season.
While Wolford likely won’t be in contention for the starting job, he’ll provide valuable experience and leadership to the quarterback room. He can also help both Mayfield and Trask learn the intricacies of Canales’ offense.
The Competition Begins: A Close Look at the Deciding Factors
Dave Canales has made it clear that the Buccaneers’ quarterback competition will be a true open competition, with both Mayfield and Trask having a legitimate shot at winning the starting job.
Several factors will play a role in determining who ultimately wins the job.
Experience: Mayfield’s experience gives him an edge over Trask. He’s been in pressure situations before and knows what it takes to win in the NFL. However, Trask’s time spent learning behind Tom Brady shouldn’t be discounted.
Command of the Offense: Both quarterbacks will need to quickly learn and adapt to Canales’ new offense. The quarterback who demonstrates the best grasp of the playbook and the ability to consistently execute the plays will have a leg up in the competition.
Decision-Making and Ball Security: Turnovers were a major issue for the Buccaneers in 2022. Canales will be looking for a quarterback who can protect the football and make smart decisions under pressure.
Leadership: As the quarterback, you’re the leader of the offense. Canales will be evaluating both Mayfield and Trask on their leadership qualities and their ability to inspire their teammates.
Preseason Performance: The preseason will be crucial for both quarterbacks. They’ll need to showcase their skills and prove that they can be successful against NFL competition.
The Road Ahead: A Critical Season for the Buccaneers’ Future
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback battle is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2023 NFL season. Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask both have the potential to be successful starting quarterbacks in the NFL, but only one will get the chance to lead the Buccaneers this season.
With a new coaching staff, a new offense, and a new quarterback under center, the 2023 season will be one of transition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The outcome of the quarterback competition will likely determine the direction of the franchise for years to come.