Buccaneers to release backup QB Kyle Trask

This will come via an injury settlement or a waived/injured designation, per Fowler, as Trask has dealt with a shoulder issue lately. Bridgewater is set to replace him as Baker Mayfield‘s top backup.

A former second-round pick, Trask has spent his entire professional career in Tampa Bay. His first two campaigns saw him as a deep-depth-chart option behind Tom Brady, and he’s spent the past two years serving as Mayfield’s primary backup.

Considering his backup status, Trask hasn’t gotten much of a look during the regular season. In total, he’s appeared in seven career games, completing four of his 11 pass attempts for 28 yards. The QB previously showed his ability during his time at Florida, where he tossed 69 touchdowns in 27 games. This included a 2020 season where he threw 48 touchdowns en route to a second-team All-SEC nod.

While Trask can’t point to an extensive NFL resume, he has worked under a pair of former coordinators-turned-coaches in Dave Canales and Liam Coen, so perhaps he could find a gig in either of those spots. Temporarily, he may have to settle for a practice squad job.

With the move, Bridgewater has secured his spot as Tampa’s QB2. The organization is also rostering UDFA Connor Bazelak.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.