Panthers To Work Out QB Kyle Trask

Tampa Bay spent a second-round pick on Trask in 2021, but the former Florida Gator still has not logged a single NFL start. He has made just seven appearances and attempted 11 passes in five years. With Tom Brady then at the helm in Tampa Bay, Trask spent his first two seasons as an understudy to an all-time great. Brady retired ahead of the 2023 season, finally giving Trask an opportunity to win the starting job. However, he lost the summer competition to free agent addition Baker Mayfield, who remains the Buccaneers’ starter.

While Trask stuck around in Tampa Bay for a couple more years, the team waived him while he was dealing with a shoulder injury last August. Trask worked out for the Cardinals in October, though he did not land a contract until he signed with the Falcons’ practice squad in late November. Atlanta brought in Trask after starter Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending ACL tear, but there was no path to playing time because of the presence of pricey backup Kirk Cousins. The Falcons did not elevate Trask to their roster at any point.

Trask had a May audition with the Saints, yet another NFC South club, but he hadn’t drawn any reported interest between then and his Panthers workout. If he signs with the Panthers, it would mean reuniting with head coach Dave Canales, who was the Bucs’ offensive coordinator in 2023. Trask would presumably battle with undrafted rookie Haynes King for No. 3 duties in Carolina, which has free agent signing Kenny Pickett backing up starter Bryce Young. The Panthers gave Pickett $4MM in guaranteed money, all but assuring he will be their second-stringer.