Bucs QB Kyle Trask believes there’s ‘an open competition’

Kyle Trask. Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Trask believes there’s ‘an open competition’ for Buccaneers QB job

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 4/18/23

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Baker Mayfield in mid-March, many took it as a sign the organization didn’t have faith in Kyle Trask.

But the 25-year-old signal caller disclosed on Monday as the Bucs started voluntary offseason workouts that he believes he has just as much of a chance to win the starting quarterback job as Mayfield does.

"I've just been told it's an open competition,” Trask told reporters. “But at the end of the day, I know the team's going to do what they have to do to put whoever on the field that's going to allow our team to be the most successful. … Fortunately enough, I've had two years of prior experience with a very veteran quarterback room, and there's a lot to take away from that. I'm going to try to implement those styles and routines that they had into my routine and hopefully that'll make us more successful at the end of the day."

#Bucs QB Kyle Trask said “this is a good opportunity for me to compete with someone like Baker (Mayfield)..” pic.twitter.com/Qphmx9wH7k
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 17, 2023

Though Mayfield has the edge in experience, Trask, a second-round pick of the Bucs in 2021, sat for the last two seasons behind Tom Brady and has a two-year head start in terms of grasping the offense and building a rapport with top receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Trask even got a ringing endorsement in February from former Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, who stated Tampa Bay was “in good hands” with Trask. Mayfield, on the other hand, is on his fourth team in three years.

“I was in that room every day for two years,” Trask added. “I learned so much (from Brady). …I was able to see what a true professional looks like coming in to work every single day, the highs and lows of whatever it may be.”

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