Former Buccaneers Second-Round Pick Released By Panthers

A former second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been released, but his NFL career may not be over just yet.

The Carolina Panthers released former Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask on Sunday. However, Trask could find another opportunity quickly after his brief stint in Carolina.

Trask Earned Praise in Carolina

Trask spent limited time with the Panthers under head coach Dave Canales. Canales previously served as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, giving him familiarity with Trask from their time in Tampa Bay.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Carolina was moving on from the former second-round pick.

“Panthers are releasing QB Kyle Trask, per source,” Fowler posted on Twitter. “He acquitted himself well there and is an emergency QB option for the team.”

That evaluation could help Trask find another team despite his latest setback. His experience could also make him an option for a team seeking emergency quarterback depth.

Trask’s Buccaneers Career

The Buccaneers selected Trask 64th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound quarterback spent four seasons in Tampa Bay.

Trask served as a backup to Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield during his time with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay released him during the final roster cuts in August 2025.

Trask then joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad in November. Now, following his release from Carolina, another NFL opportunity could await the former Buccaneers draft pick.