Buccaneers Opt for Experience: Coach Bowles Explains Why Bridgewater Gives Them a ‘Better Chance’

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicated that the team believes veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater gives them a better chance of success, a day after cutting backup quarterback Kyle Trask to meet the 53-man roster deadline. Trask, drafted in the second round in 2021, had been a reliable third-string quarterback behind Tom Brady for two seasons, consistently making the final roster despite limited playing time.

In 2023, Trask battled Baker Mayfield for the starting quarterback spot throughout training camp and the preseason, ultimately landing the backup role behind Mayfield for the past two seasons.

“Obviously [Bridgewater] brings experience, but he brings a wealth of knowledge.” Bowles stated Tuesday via ESPN’s Jenna Laine. “He can command the offense right now. Him being older has a lot to do with it, but him being accurate and understanding what we’re trying to do has a lot to do with it as well. We had Kyle [Trask] for four years and it was a good four-year run. We just feel like we got a better chance with Teddy.”

—

After Mayfield’s hand injury sidelined him for two practices in early August, Trask took over first-team reps but faced some challenges. The Buccaneers quickly addressed their quarterback depth by signing veteran Bridgewater on August 5, just 11 days before he’d make his preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bridgewater shone in his start, leading the Bucs to a 17-14 win with two touchdown passes, including a 15-yard dart to Bucky Irving and a 5-yard lob to rookie Emeka Egbuka.

Although Trask showed promise, starting the first and third preseason games and throwing for 241 yards with a touchdown, the Buccaneers apparently wanted more from him. Despite his decent stats – 28 of 43 passes completed – the team ultimately chose to go with veteran Bridgewater’s experience, carrying only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.