Buccaneers' Todd Bowles insists Baker Mayfield will compete with Kyle Trask

Shortly after the Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a one-year contract in March, Eisen was among individuals within the NFL community who suggested Bowles favors Mayfield over Trask. 

Armando Salguero of Outkick and Fox News previously wrote that Bowles was serving as head coach of the New York Jets when he allegedly preferred Mayfield over Sam Darnold before the 2018 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns selected Mayfield first overall that spring, while the Jets grabbed Darnold at pick No. 3. 

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has repeatedly insisted that Trask, an unproven 2021 second-round draft choice who has attempted only nine career regular-season passes, will receive a legitimate opportunity to win the gig over Mayfield. While speaking with Eisen, Bowles revealed what he's looking for from the future replacement for retired legend Tom Brady.

"Obviously, the practice is important, the communication with the guys, leadership in the huddle, accuracy — you gotta make plays, of course, in this league to win ballgames," Bowles explained, as shared by the JoeBucsFan website. "And who commands the huddle and who the team runs behind more that gives you the best chance to win. And that’ll be sorted out over time."

Buccaneers senior advisor Bruce Arians and new offensive coordinator Dave Canales haven't hidden this spring they love what Mayfield offers as it pertains to "moxie" and "swag," and it seems Mayfield's lack of size compared to Trask won't be an issue for the Tampa Bay coaching staff. 

NFL schedule-makers who gave the Buccaneers two prime-time games for the 2023 campaign are likely banking on Mayfield to win the job, but Bowles publicly left no doubt he'll give Trask a chance to become a revelation this summer similar to what Brock Purdy was for the San Francisco 49ers this past season.