On Monday evening reports came out that Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad quarterback John Wolford was set to sign with the Los Angeles Rams. Shortly after the report though, news broke that the Bucs would be keeping their third quarterback by way of a promotion to the active roster.
Wolford had the opportunity to join several teams including the quarterback-needy Vikings and Rams, who are both dealing with injuries to their starters. Wolford decided to stay with the Buccaneers for several reasons citing proximity to family and the potential for long-term stability.
“There's a few factors that go into it,” Wolford said. “The Bucs have been good to me this entire time and you know, going through that whole process, they continued to show their interest in me and showed how much they valued me and it feels like a good fit here. I feel like I'm adding value to help the team and there are potentially long-term plans here. My home is in Miami, my mom is in Tampa, my dad is in Jacksonville.”
Count Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield as someone who was happy to see Wolford remain with the team. Praising his intelligence and the value he brings to the quarterback room.
“John is extremely vital to our QB room,” Mayfield said. “A guy that when we brought him in, I was very happy about it. Just his knowledge of the system, he has great experience – he doesn’t have the most experience – but the guy, he’s “wicked smart.” He is an extremely important piece for us to have. I know he challenges the guys on the scout team and is always an extra communicator for our QB room. Guys like that are invaluable.”
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Head coach Todd Bowles spoke about how retaining Wolford was valuable to the team with Mayfield being banged up and the possibility of his role changing now that he has been elevated to the 53-man roster.
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