Bucs decline to name starting quarterback in first depth chart

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted how rare it is for a team to decline to name a starting quarterback ahead of the start of the preseason.

The decision can be looked at in one of two ways. On the one hand, it's not serious at all. Even if one of the quarterbacks was the guaranteed starter on the first depth chart doesn't mean that he would end the preseason as the team's No. 1.

From another vantage point, it could be alarming that neither quarterback has made a definitive claim to be the starter.

Trask might be closing the gap on Mayfield. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2018 was in the driver's seat for the starting role after joining the team in March. Bowles praised Mayfield's "moxie" in April and a month later told reporters how important that characteristic is for a quarterback.

"It comes down to moxie...You can see who the team galvanizes around and who's ready to play the first game and you make a decision from there," Bowles said.

It made it seem like the job was Mayfield's to lose, despite Trask having more familiarity with Tampa's supporting cast after spending the last two seasons as Tom Brady's backup.

Both are learning a different offensive system with former Seahawks offensive coordinator Dave Canales in charge.

Canales' profile grew last year with Geno Smith's remarkable turnaround and he was hired by the Bucs after the team fired former offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

If he can coax a season out of a Tampa Bay QB like the one Smith had in 2022, look out for the Bucs to possibly three-peat as NFC South champs. Unfortunately, neither option has cemented himself as Tampa's starter, which could portend a frustrating season.

In 2022, Mayfield finished last in QBR (24.5) among 31 qualified quarterbacks. In two seasons, Trask is 3-of-9 for 23 yards.