Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs QB Kyle Trask is throwing with 'conviction'

By Trevor Woods | Last updated May 23, 2023 3:29 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted QB Kyle Trask in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft in hopes he would become the heir apparent to Tom Brady. While Brady is now out of the picture, Trask being the starter is a coin-flip at best after the Bucs added Baker Mayfield to the QB room this offseason.

Mayfield has struggled in recent years, but Trask has attempted just nine passes through two seasons. The case for or against either QB can be made at this juncture of the offseason. However, Bucs TE Cade Otton sees things shifting for Trask. Being in Tom Brady's shadow isn't a comfortable spot for anyone, and with Brady now retired, it sounds like Trask is more comfortable in his own skin.

"I've seen him take a step forward in terms of leadership and confidence. It shows on and off the field. You hear pitchers talk about conviction when they throw the ball, I feel like I see that in Kyle a little bit more now," Otton said.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) May 23, 2023

It's fair to wonder if Mayfield reached his ceiling long ago and likely won't be a viable option as a starter ever again. Trask however, is just 25, has prototypical size at 6-foot-5, and had one heck of a senior season for the Florida Gators in 2020. Trask was a Heisman finalist, breaking Florida's single-season passing touchdown record with 43.

Mayfield might start the season as Tampa's starter, but the team likely won't be making a playoff push. This means Trask is likely to see the field at some point. Maybe even Week 1.

Trevor Woods

Trevor Woods covers the Los Angeles Chargers and AFC West for Yardbarker. Trevor also covers the Michigan Wolverines for SB Nation, including coverage at the NFL Combine, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and National Championship. You can find him on X at @WoodsFootball.

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