Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Kyle Trask to Compete for Starting Quarterback Job

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bracing for an offseason of transition as they embark on the post-Tom Brady era, but they believe they may have the answer to their biggest question mark already on the roster. Per the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers told potential offensive coordinators that third-year quarterback Kyle Trask would compete for starting duties.

ICYMI the Bucs made it clear in interviews with offensive coordinator candidates that they plan to see what they have in Kyle Trask at QB while adding veteran competition. But the lack of salary cap space could limit which free agent QBs they can pursue. https://t.co/RU5l3OEAca
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 25, 2023

The Buccaneers drafted Trask with the 64th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a two-year starter at Florida where he compiled 7386 passing yards, 69 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions over 27 games. He failed to log a snap in his rookie season but saw some relief duty in Week 18 of the 2022 season, completing three of nine passes for 33 yards in a 30-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Trask hasn't put anything on tape so far in his career that suggests he could be a credible replacement for the recently retired GOAT Tom Brady, but he makes as much sense as anyone for a Bucs team poised to embark on a long rebuild. The Bucs are a league-leading $56.5 million over the cap, so acquiring a premium veteran at quarterback isn't terribly realistic, and they don't have the draft capital to land a polished prospect.

The Bucs will likely struggle to compete in 2022. They spent a significant draft pick to acquire Trask two years ago. They'd be wise to use this year to see what they have in the 24-year-old, even if it costs them a win or two.