As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shift their focus to the offseason, there are question marks at every position on the roster. In this series, we’ll look at each position grouping and see what the Bucs have on the roster who is an impending free agent, and the outlook for the 2024 season.
On The Roster
Kyle Trask
Trask was in a quarterback battle throughout the summer and training camp with eventual starter Baker Mayfield. He took leaps and bounds forward in his development and was neck and neck with Mayfield for the starting role until the veteran quarterback pulled ahead. Behind the scenes, the Bucs are extremely happy with how Trask has continued to grow and have no worries if he were to take meaningful snaps during the season.
Impending Free Agents
Baker Mayfield
The former Heisman Trophy winner and number one overall pick rejuvenated his career in Tampa Bay in 2023. He posted career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage, leading the Bucs to a Divisional round playoff game. Mayfield brought a different energy and swagger to the team last season and had the whole team buy-in on him as a leader and captain. It feels like all signs are pointing to a reunion with the Buccaneers on a long-term deal that will keep Mayfield in place for the foreseeable future.
John Wolford
Wolford was instrumental in getting quarterbacks Mayfield and Trask up to speed in former offensive coordinator Dave Canales’ new scheme last season. Often called the smartest quarterback in the room, Wolford brings a wealth of knowledge to the quarterback room and has experience working with new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Wolfors turned down several opportunities to leave the Bucs practice squad to join other teams’ active rosters and even a potential starting opportunity when Matt Stafford missed time with the Rams because he wanted to remain in Tampa and is likely back next season.
2024 Outlook
So much hinges on if the Buccaneers can reach a deal to retain Mayfield but it appears both sides are eager to get a deal done. In the unlikely scenario that things don't come together the Bucs would have limited options in free agency and aren't in range to select any of the top signal callers in the draft. Though it's more likely than not that Mayifeld will be the starter entering the 2024 season.
With Mayfield and Wolford likely to be re-signed and Trask under contract, the Bucs quarterback room could be set for next season. However, in such a deep quarterback class it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that the Bucs could select a quarterback on day 3 to groom on the practice squad.
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