Tampa Bay Buccaneers Part Ways With 2021 Draft Pick

In a move that surprised approximately no one, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to part ways with Quarterback Kyle Trask, officially ending an era that never really began. The former Florida Gators standout, once a Heisman finalist, is being shown the door to make room for a grizzled veteran who was coaching high school football just a year ago.

And just like that, the Teddy Bridgewater era as Baker Mayfield’s clipboard holder in Tampa Bay is set to begin. It is a classic NFL storyline: the young prospect, full of college hype, gets overtaken by the seasoned journeyman.

The End Of the Trask Experiment

Let’s be honest, the Trask experiment in Tampa was less of a “grand experiment” and more of a science fair project that never got off the ground. Drafted in the second round back in 2021, the hope was that he could learn behind the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady, and maybe, just maybe, take the reins one day. Instead, he mostly just held a clipboard and watched. When Brady retired (the first time), Trask had a shot but was ultimately beaten out by Baker Mayfield, a guy who had been on more teams in one year than most people have streaming subscriptions.

Trask’s regular-season stat line with the Buccaneers is something to behold: seven games, 4-for-11 passing, 28 yards, and zero touchdowns. You have probably thrown for more yards playing catch in your backyard. Despite a decent showing in the preseason this year, it clearly wasn’t enough to convince Head Coach Todd Bowles and the front office that he was the guy for the job if Mayfield went down.

Enter Teddy Two-Gloves

So, who is the new man behind the man? None other than Teddy Bridgewater. Yes, that Teddy Bridgewater. After a brief hiatus coaching high school ball in Miami, which ended with a suspension for allegedly providing impermissible benefits to players, he’s back in the league. The Buccaneers saw enough from the 32-year-old former first-round pick to give him the keys to the backup QB spot.

Bridgewater has been around the block, with stints in Minnesota, New Orleans, Carolina, Denver, Miami, and Detroit. He is the NFL’s equivalent of a reliable used car: not flashy, but you know it’ll probably start when you need it to. His experience and veteran savvy are what the Buccaneers are banking on as they look to make another playoff run. They need a guy who won’t shrink if his number is called, and Bridgewater, for all his travels, has proven he can step in and manage a game.

For Trask, it’s a tough break. He will now hit the open market, hoping another team sees the potential that the Buccaneers grew tired of waiting for. As for Tampa Bay, the message is clear: they’re in win-now mode, and there’s no time for developmental projects. The Baker and Teddy show is officially on the road.