Was Baker Mayfield Promised The Starting Job?
March 15th, 2023
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles
So quarterback Baker Mayfield was handed $8.5 million to quarterback the Bucs this season and allegedly compete with third-year man Kyle Trask.
Frankly, that’s a weak quarterback salary and it has Joe wondering whether it came with a handshake and a wink.
That cash total is basically what the bumbling Jets with Todd Bowles at the command paid career loser Josh McCown annually over the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Mike Glennon got $15 million from the Bears in 2017.
And in comes Mayfield to Tampa, a young talent with a live arm and a playoff win on his résumé that includes a resurrecting a Browns team that was historic garbage before he arrived in 2018.
Joe isn’t confusing Mayfield with a Pro Bowler, but Joe can’t say Derek Carr of the Saints is significantly better. And Mayfield very likely had other options in free agency this season.
So why play for the Bucs on a cheap one-year deal?
Joe will take a wild guess and say Mayfield was promised the Bucs’ starting job — no matter what comes out of One Buc Palace.
Perhaps … maybe … Mayfield was told he would break “a tie” in any competition with Trask. But Joe is assuming Mayfield and his agent were advised that if he just plays like himself, than it’s his starting job.
What most fascinates Joe is that Mayfield is a giant personality with an alpha dog mentality. Joe expects Mayfield to operate from Day 1 in April like it’s his team, much like he did when he got to Carolina and the Rams last season.
Joe wonders how Trask will react to that.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:34 pm
Who freakin cares what went down or how Trask handles it!
The Buc’s Front Office is killing it today way to go guys!
March 15th, 2023 at 4:37 pm
I doubt you offer a guy who settles for back-up money a guranteed starter role.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Trask isn’t beating anyone out. He’s only the number 2 guy if the Bucs are carrying 2 QB’s. otherwise he’s the 3rd guy and deactivated. He’s not done anything the least bit impressive and the only people who had good things to say about him were fired for gross incompetence.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
I believe it’s a $4M contract plus incentives. Not really $8M.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Not a Baker fan. The best move for the franchise is for Trask to be successful or fail. Not return to mediocrity.
Hopefully Trask starts or Baker proves me wrong.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
That’s not back up money it’s a one year prove it deal. Baker is betting on himself.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:41 pm
Good, he can add Bowles to his list of coaches he got fired after playing like garbage again.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:42 pm
The past doesn’t always predict the present OR future accurately…
Most recent – Geno Smith scrapped from the bottom of the barrel and miraculously produced 1 decent season…
Mayfield is now a Buc so hoping he gets the right people around him to get great playing from him!
March 15th, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Licht is having a surprisingly good Free Agency. Credit where credit is due!
March 15th, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Bucs are just Pathetic. What a joke this team has become. If they even win 1 game it will be a big event….Bowles can beat McKay with 0-17. Go Bozo Go!
March 15th, 2023 at 4:45 pm
I have to believe Lavonte thinks Mayfield is going to be alright with a solid cast around him, because he signed to stay on and has admittedly said he is not about returning to the dark days.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:46 pm
Joe c’mon, you would rather have Carr than Mayfield? Incentive driven $8.5M vs $40M? There’s a few digits there that proves you wrong.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:47 pm
Trashk’s reaction is irrelevant. He sucks, had sucked, has sucked, will suck and will have sucked. The modern day Rudy Carpenter. Obviously Bowles and Licht have seen enough.
Trashk lovers will now call for Licht to be fired because he jilted their love, who has never done anything on an NFL football field, even in practice, but because he had college stats one year, he should be thrown into the field. Put the whole team in jeopardy because the dude sucks in practice but “let’s see what we’ve got.”
Thankfully we have professionals running the fromt office.
Now we only need a new head coach.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:51 pm
Yep, I’m pretty sure he’s not coming here on a 1 year prove it deal without some assurances that he will have an opportunity to actually “prove it” on the field and be the starter.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:53 pm
I dunno but it’s definitely “get yer popcorn ready” stuff. For the first game or two.
Not sure WHAT we are gonna see, but I promise you, we are gonna see it.
For a game or two until the pitchforks come out.
Optimisitically, GO BUCS!!! LOL
March 15th, 2023 at 4:54 pm
Baker Mayfield couldn’t even beat out Sam Darnold or even PJ Walker…….need I say more??????
March 15th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
For me is should be a deal that say go win the job, and you can still be a starter in this league, but if Trask beats you out we will release you if you want so you can try and find work elsewhere if there is an injury or whatever
March 15th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Baker Mayfield was the best QB out there for the kind of money the Bucs had or was willing to spend. Licht may not be the best judge at coaching talent but he is not far from being a top 5 GM in the league.
March 15th, 2023 at 4:59 pm
Hc Grover , I see you met your quota for the day..you have to bash the bucs every day..I wish you and the other couple trolls would leave this site.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:02 pm
This is “Joe’s” wet dream scenario. Little loud mouth QB with average physical tools. He couldn’t have Manziel, but he got the next best thing, Mayfield.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:05 pm
Doubt it, that wouldn’t line up with the Bucs brass lauding Trask last month at the combine or Mayfields’ contract figure. Outside of LVD, none of the players we’ve resigned are shoe-ins for starting roles, but are probably going to get an opportunity to earn jobs at their respective positions. The only other “starters” we haven’t brought back are Edwards & SMB( yes, nickel back is a starting job in 2023).
March 15th, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Joes the only one that thinks this is a guarantee wink wink deal. He’s getting paid 4.5 million if he doesn’t start. Which doesn’t scream starter money at all. Baker hasn’t proven a thing other then getting carried by Cleveland his one year. Joe thinks baker was awesome bec he won 2 games last year with the rams. His td to int ratio was 4-2 this screams to joe starter potential. To me it screams Meh af hes lucky he still in the league. The only thing this deal means is he’s in a competition to start. Let the least sucky guy win
March 15th, 2023 at 5:10 pm
Why???? Why promise him anything at all? He doesn’t command a promise like that, he’s as a stage in his career he has to earn it.
How about maybe he feels it will be extremely easy to beat out Kyle Trask. With weapons like he’ll have here it’s a one year deal and maybe he’ll cash in next year
March 15th, 2023 at 5:12 pm
Stupid speculation … JBF simply won’t give up on his dumb Trask hate.
SMH
March 15th, 2023 at 5:12 pm
Joe, BM signed with the Bucs because everyone knows Tampa throws the best Boat Parades!!! BM is looking forward to his first!!
March 15th, 2023 at 5:13 pm
Bruce/JW&Brady to Todd/Brady&Baker is a sign of a joke season, no plan, and the Glazers back on the ship after the biggest gift given to a franchise after almost 20 years of crap !!
March 15th, 2023 at 5:16 pm
I don’t think Mayfield had to be promised anything, I think he looked at the depth chart, then googled ‘who is Kyle Trask’, then watched his college highlights and saw him throwing cupcake rainbow passes, and said if he can’t beat that guy out, he shouldn’t be in the NFL.
Personally I do not like this signing as Mayfield stinks, and sure, he might be slightly better than Mayfield, and might win an extra game or two, but I really don’t care about two extra wins when the team is 5-12 – and I’d rather have be 3-14 and have the higher pick.
But who knows, maybe Mayfield, who is on his 4th team in the last 12 months, has really turned it around this time…
March 15th, 2023 at 5:17 pm
Joe, that’s just misleading. He wasn’t handed 8.5. he was handed 4 with the potential to earn another four and a half.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:18 pm
The way the bucs act about Trask demonstrates zero confidence in him.
Wouldnt surprise me that he is cut in camp and Gabbert brought back to be the number two.
Man must be awful in practice.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:20 pm
Munch, Mayfield May be better than… Mayfield? We shall assume you mean Trask. And enough with the loser attitude. I’ll take as many wins as I can get. The draft is 50/50 every year. And who knows, weak division, running game and better online, solid defense, anything can happen. And obviously the coach is in when now mode so you’re tanking dreams will not be realized.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Bring back Mike Glennon! Super Bowl here we come…
March 15th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Rainbow cupcake passes?
Again
4300 yards 43 TDs 67% completion
Stop
March 15th, 2023 at 5:28 pm
Todd as the coach, some guy I’ve never heard of from Seattle, and now Baker Mayfield coming in??? What’s the direction and focusing on the name of the QB doesn’t work anymore in Tampa because over the river the owner and organization has shown a winning formula with the Bolts
March 15th, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Just Leave Trask Alone Says:
March 15th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Rainbow cupcake passes?
———
Google Danny Wuerffel kiddo.
You can throw cupcake rainbows in college and do so with great success. In the NFL, that doesn’t work, literally has never worked. In fairness to Kyle, he did show he can drive the ball, the moment he got in trouble, he reverted back to his cupcake passes. That’s a big issue.
But that’s also why I hate this signing. I’d rather just let Trask play all year and see what happens. With Trask you got some chance of there being an upside, that maybe he figures it out, he breaks his habits with reps, etc. With Mayfield, meanwhile, he is what he is, a modern Trent Dilfer.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:31 pm
The real question is do the bucs trust trask as a backup
March 15th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Trask will react like he did in high school as a career backup and at UF as a backup. He will be a loyal and hardworking teammate, and when his number is called, he will deliver.
That’s that.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Steven007 – Yeah I saw that after I hit submit and just figured no one would read it.
As for Mayfield, as I said above, I really dislike this pick because I don’t think he does anything to actually improve the team much, and with Trask you at least have a small chance that maybe he’d turn into something. Now, instead of seeing what, we’ll see Mayfield probably start 10 games, go 3-7, Trask will start probably 6 games and go 1-5, and then we’ll sign Josh Johnson to a deal so he can retire as a Buc, back where he started, and he’ll blow someone out like 48-10.
Meh.
This is reminding me of 1993, when you had Casey Weldon battling Craig Erickson… Now if we can sign Joe Flacco, he can be our modern version of Steve DeBerg, and we can recreate that, the most glorious year in Bucs history!
March 15th, 2023 at 5:44 pm
Eric Says:
March 15th, 2023 at 5:18 pm
The way the bucs act about Trask demonstrates zero confidence in him.
Wouldnt surprise me that he is cut in camp and Gabbert brought back to be the number two.
Man must be awful in practice.
___________________________________
Whoa, I feel like you just told me the ending to a movie I sat down for. This is a very plausible prediction.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:45 pm
Bye bye Todd Bowles
March 15th, 2023 at 5:45 pm
Trask will not get a fair chance. But, I’m glad we picked up Mayfield. No tanking!!!!!!
March 15th, 2023 at 5:49 pm
Mayfield reminds me too much of Winston.
My guess is he will put up solid stats with Bucs. Maybe the best of his career. Except that I think he will end up with too many turnovers and too few 4th quarter comebacks.
At the end of this years the optimist Bucs fans will say he is great and the pessimist Bucs fans will say he stinks.
March 15th, 2023 at 5:50 pm
Thank God tbe incapable Kyle Trask isn’t going to be starting for us
March 15th, 2023 at 5:51 pm
Baker Mayfield will start because the Glazers know the only thing y’all like is names regardless how bad they play. Baker Mayfield has played for now 4 different teams and some of yall refuse to even give Trask a real chance. Trask is a player that no one knows how good he is and yet y’all want even get behind him and hope he’s good. But Joe has been bashing this kid since he got here and y’all just believe anything the media tells yall .
March 15th, 2023 at 5:53 pm
Baker Mayfield is trash and we know he suck at least Trask the only thing y’all can do is set narratives against Trask because we don’t know. This is a loser fan base lol 🤣🤣
March 15th, 2023 at 5:57 pm
Everyone commenting is clearly not a bucs fan because real fans want to see trask start. I’ll take an absolute dog crap season from a rookie QB compare to wasting $6.5mil on a trash 1 year QB who’s brought issues to every team he’s been on… Bruh idk what the bucs are thinking but Mayfield is A$$… At least with trask starting and we have a losing season at least we can blame it on lack of starting time. But Mayfield… Bruh come tf on…. Like time Brady would’ve never been as great as he is if he didn’t get his time to shine. Let trask get his time. Sink or swim, what do the bucs have to lose in that case? Not 6.5 million to a useless player…. Only way trask will get better is with real starting time and I’m not talking g holding the kickers ball for an extra point…
March 15th, 2023 at 5:59 pm
I’m quite sure some lawyerly terms were used during the discussion of the starting job.
I think Mayfield will win the job….and Trask will have to suck it up as he’s used to.
Mayfield is injury prone so anything can happen.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:01 pm
@Joe: I believe is exactly the opposite! The money he is receiving tells me he is a backup QB!
May be that he didn’t receive any offer to be a clean cut starter… Probably he accepted Tampa because is the situation he believes has the weakest competition, therefore his best chance to win the starting job somewhere this season.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:05 pm
Derrick is a carr they suck meatballs
March 15th, 2023 at 6:06 pm
He is going to have to win the job. He should win it based on talent and experience. But there’s a reason he’s only been given a 1 year contract for a low (for a QB) salary. If Trask is playing better, he’ll get the job.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:07 pm
I’m not sure I follow your logic here Joe… perhaps Mayfield just wasn’t getting much in offers from any teams who were supposedly interested? Or perhaps there would have been QB competition in any of those spots, and he felt his best chance was in Tampa.
For 4 mil + 4.5mil in incentives, he should not be gifted anything… Get a real QB competition going this offseason.
Now this part I totally agree with. And why wouldn’t he? No problem with that, personally. Just be a good teammate / backup if you don’t win, or keep, the starting gig.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:08 pm
Can this season be as bad as that joke of a one and done playoff game we just played with Tom freaking Brady? Highly doubtful we will play that badly. It was time to move on and if BM is a stepping stone to something better I’m all in
March 15th, 2023 at 6:12 pm
The b!tching and moaning continues, despite the fact that Licht and his team have done an amazing job putting together something they can move forward with. So far, I’m pretty pleased with how they’re handling this transitional year.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:16 pm
LOL. Can’t say Carr is significantly better? You’re one of the few. I’m sensing you haven’t watched this guy play much. Maker Barfmore wasn’t guaranteed anything. The guy hasn’t even played as well as a backup yet. If he was guaranteed to make the final 53 already then licht needs to be fired. And I’m a licht fan.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:16 pm
Who knows maybe Mayfield is
worse than Trask and will help
get Bowles fired and a higher
draft pick? Sorry just trying to
optimistic.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:17 pm
^^^^Agree, sasquatch. Much better than I expected to date. Who knows – maybe they could be competitive this year, for a division title? Won’t be competitive beyond one-n-done in playoffs, if they make it that far.
But I do not see a massive losing season ahead. If we’re lucky, we’ll be .500, because of the recent moves and signings.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Trask needs to man up and do his best. If his best is not good enough, then he’ll carry the clipboard. Fish or cut bait. Just give him his chance.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:21 pm
Rod those are different players. Trask hasn’t gotten his shot yet. We need to see him with the #1s
March 15th, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Sasquatch , these trolls will never stop. I agree the bucs have done a great job with being 50 million over the cap. But yet the trolls have to have something to complain and cry about.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:22 pm
The best move the Bucs have made is the 2 year season ticket plan.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:23 pm
@Rod Munch: If you think “cupcake rainbow passes” never worked in the NFL, you never saw Billy Kilmer play.
He threw wounded ducks.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:28 pm
Ace, will Bowles give him the opportunity? I don’t think Trask will even get the snaps in practice now. Its going to be all about Baker. No way Bowles lets a guy with nine career passes control his future.
For the Franchise the right thing to do is let Trask go through this season and get his feet underneath him and then plan on 2024 as a year to get aggressive.
Now we’re going to see Baker hot dog it to an 6-11 record.
Then again, Baker takes a lot of chances and probably will get hurt – so we’ll see Trask anyway.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:29 pm
Oneilsuckyall, you have a real man crush for Trask. Obviously if he was a good as YOU claim he is don’t you think professional NFL coaches would recognize this and play him? Instead they sign a habitual loser, ya see the pattern with this team?
March 15th, 2023 at 6:36 pm
Baker will start week 1 but how long before he gives the keys to Trask. I’m afraid it’s more about Baker than Trask really.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:39 pm
It’s Baker time.
I thought Trask was ready, but I’m wrong again.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:42 pm
I can’t wait to hear baker speak on this issue. He’ll surely tell us all. They didnt bring him here to sit on the bench and be a backup to a guy who has dressed for one game in two years. He’s here to compete for the job. It’s always a competition. Coaches are trying to say their jobs and will do near anything to hold on.. remember, the home playoff game is the goal, no matter how ugly it looks.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:43 pm
Save
March 15th, 2023 at 6:45 pm
For all you Trask haters, first of all I’m sure you all have college or pro playing experience…NOT! He has sat for 2 years learning from the GOAT. I would think they will compete for starting position.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:45 pm
Thankfully, the Bucs make the football decisions, and not the “peanut gallery”
March 15th, 2023 at 6:48 pm
I would probably try to sign Matt Ryan as a backup.
March 15th, 2023 at 6:57 pm
The Bucs were 8-9 last year.
The “peanut gallery” was 0-17
March 15th, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Beer & Peanuts, good one Whisperer
March 15th, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Gotta love peanuts, lol
March 15th, 2023 at 7:06 pm
There is a reason that Mayfield was drafted #1. He has the heaviness and arm talent. He just needs the right opportunity and this may be it. If Mayfield can’t beat out Trask then we should be set at the QB position for years to come
March 15th, 2023 at 7:06 pm
Headiness
March 15th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
If NFL QB was easy, I’d be doing it.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:13 pm
I admit that I’m not a Mayfield fan, BUT … he’s now a Buc and I’ll root for him to succeed here. I do fully expect however that Todd Bowles meant it when he said that there’ll be a QB COMPETITION for the starting role.
On looking at Mayfield’s performance over his 5-year career, his stats pretty much speak for themselves:
o Career record: 31-38 but he was 29-30 in his 4 years with Cleveland (he was 2-8 last season with Panthers & Rams).
o Career passing: 61.4% pass completion, with 102 career TDs & 64 INTs in 72 games (Gabbert’s average here was 62.9%).
o He was sacked 170 times in 72 games, for a sack percentage of 7.0% (average of 2.4 per game … slightly higher than Jameis).
o Ran 189 times in 72 games for 660 yards total in 5 years (average of 9 yards/game … not much of a running threat?).
He’s a Buc. Gotta root for all Buc players. Unless you’re a NE fan of course.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:25 pm
^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes to this
March 15th, 2023 at 7:29 pm
TBChucky what are you smoking Licht just shoved more money down the road signing Dean and David any idiot could have done that please don’t get me started on Baker ” four teams in nine months ” Mayfield.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Jason Licht – with some $50 large plus over the cap- has already won the off-season.
Dean! LVD! Nelson! And Baker, who can run a RPO type style which Canales wants. Then Dee Delaney, and while not a cure for erectile dysfunction, still imbues a sense of solid depth.
Now another QB, either in draft or FA, and if Licht can wink at BA and tell him to tell Bloweszo what to do, the Bucs could win 10 games.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:31 pm
NEfakefan . What are you doing here you fake Patriots fan and fake bucs fan ? Oh I get it you a fantasy football fan ok !! Lol 😂😂😂 I’m a real bucs fan I believe in giving a guy a chance . That’s why I was able to tell the truth about a wash up Brady that played beyond his prime and you couldn’t be honest about it now I know you’re one of those fantasy football guys who don’t know nothing about football.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:32 pm
I think you have it backwards as usual Joe! This proves they like Trask! It’s because they like Trask so much that they were comfortable spending the bulk of their free agent money on bringing back Dean, David, Nelson, etc and spend a measly 4mil plus incentives on a one year deal for a backup QB. If they didn’t like Trask they would have used the bulk of their availability money going after a bigger fish. And if they liked Mayfield so much he would have gotten a multi year deal. They clearly feel comfortable with giving Trask his shot as the future QB1.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:36 pm
@ Goatfarmer
No RPO…..you gotta have a bunch of fast shifty players at ALL positions and the Bucs are one of the slowest teams in the league bruh…….sooooo no….that ain’t happening.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:48 pm
Joe, if you were right and Mayfield was given the impression that they don’t have faith in Trask and that he was going to be the starter he would have demanded STARTER money. But nooooo, he accepted backup money because that’s what he is. The starting job is clearly Trask’s to lose.
March 15th, 2023 at 7:56 pm
Some of the negative crap in the comments here…. Ffs.
The Joes are being very balanced with their commentary.
As far as Baker is concerned I have always been intrigued with the possibility of what he could do in the right circumstances. I guess we’ll see.
As far as Trask is concerned… you want the job? I guess you need to earn it.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:04 pm
I would rather Trask to compete with a rookie than Baker Mayfield!! You know if he wins the job it’s more than likely he was gifted the job . And you know for a fact he’s going to suck just like he did with the past 3 teams.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:05 pm
MAYFIELD DIDN’T NEED A PROMISE
Mayfield only has be beat out Trask. How easy is that? Mayfield won the Heisman. Mayfield has been an NFL starter. Cleveland should have played the Bucs in the Super Bowl. People forget, they got hosed by the officials. Baker led that team.
Trask hasn’t done anything significant in college or NFL, including beating out Gabbert for the #2 spot two years in a row.
Mayfield doesn’t need promises. He just needs to show up.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:05 pm
Who the heck is advising Baker Mayfield? Sean McVay and the Rams wanted to resign him probably for similar money. McVey picked him up and gave him another shot at relevance. Gave him the ball. Loves him. Stafford had a very serious injury last season and the Rams need insurance because chances are Stafford isn’t going to weather 17 games next year has time looks short.
Baker stays with the Rams he’s going to be Stafford’s successor.
What does Baker do? Goes to a team with a HC on paper thin ice, with a first year OC to battle the hometown kid for the starting job.
I’m dumbfounded. Staying with the Rams means longevity in the league. It was the super smart move.
Instead Baker signs with Tampa thinking he’s going to ball out with the WRs they got. I’m not seeing it. Baker is a guy who needs the play action game to be successful. Bucs are coming off a year with a historically bad running game. The most yards Baker threw for was 235. Look at his numbers. They aren’t good – even with the Rams. His final two games were bad. 132 yards against the Chargers? 147 yards against the Seahawks? The most yards he threw for last season was 235. Brady threw for 4600+ yards in a down year last year. Baker has never thrown more than his best year 3800.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:07 pm
Oneilsuckyall, like you gave Brady a chance??? You trashed him any chance you could since the day he signed and prayed that he would fail. He won a SB and you dismissed it as just being cool. I finally figured it, he is a Republican therefore he does not fit in your woke world. That’s it isn’t it. Mayfield has at least won a playoff game and almost beat KC, Trask hasn’t won a game or started one. So true Bucs fan, if you believe in your HC who has seen Trask for a few seasons now, one would ask why he approves of the signing? Oneilsuckyall woke up!
March 15th, 2023 at 8:08 pm
it’s so easy to tell which “Joe” is writing certain articles… smh.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:08 pm
A Qb going to a team mid season is tough. No training camp or preseason means you are trying to learn system and teammates under fire.
Mayfield is a good pickup. Young, great arm, and alot to prove.
I really like the pickup- Jason Licht is rocking.
I expect another QB to be signed soon. Possibly Blaine Gabbert or even Ryan Griffen. Trask has looked horrible in camp, in practice, in Preseason. I’ll be surprised if he makes it in a regular season game.
Still alot of our Free agents to sign, but as always- everyone convinced we’d have no money are wrong again. The NFL has lots of ways to come up with money. Thats why I never worry about money. Licht has a very good handle on it
March 15th, 2023 at 8:17 pm
All the pro Trask guys
“Nobody knows if he is a player”. “ noone knows how good he is.”
Yes they do
They watch everyday at practice. They’ve seen him in Preseason. They film him everyday at traing camp- and review his every move.
Obviously- they dont like what they see. At all.
Doubt he ever plays in a real game. Hes got no arm.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:18 pm
Anthem, apparently you’ve never watched Gage when uninsured, or Godwin at full strength. Or, for that matter, Scotty – who in Leftwurst world was generally relegated to running long as a decoy every player. But the boy has quick twitch galore. As does Thompkins. So, be miserable, he’ll I have been for a long time. I understand. I’ll probably be back in Buccaneer Sewer in a matter of weeks.
But the most important aspect of RPO offense is that the QB can occasionally do something with his legs.
Bake has that.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:18 pm
Is this the model for 2023 with Canales? Popgun Baker and a wish and a prayer running game? We’re doomed.
Trask is the big 6’5″ prototype for this offense – despite the ridiculous naysayers rainbow garbage talk he’s the guy who is a consistent threat to push the ball downfield and keep defenses on their heels. Its what he did in college. Its what he did in the preseason. He fearlessly pushes the ball downfield.
Canales is talking this “point guard” nonsense. He wants a guy to be a check down charlie running the RPO, 5 yard 10 yard. This isn’t the NBA – its the NFL. Bucs are not a speed back team who can beat you with backs and TEs. They have big possession receivers looking to beat you on the outside. The personnel is tailor made for Trask.
Baker Mayfield has 10 career games with 300+ yards. ZERO 400 yard games. Tom Brady had 21 300+ yard games as Buc in 3 years. 4 400 yard games.
We are going the crater hard going back to Buc Ball – except there is no Sapp, Brooks, Lynch and Barber to save us. There is no A-Train to pound defenses and ice games. The people in this blog have no idea about how bad it is going to get. We are about to be a historically terrible football team. The philosophy doesn’t fit the personnel.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:19 pm
*uninjured, not uninsured
March 15th, 2023 at 8:21 pm
Just a quick question.
Jason Licht as a talent evaluator of quarterbacks chose Kyle Trask in the 2nd round with the 64th pick.
If Trask is as bad as some people are claiming that he is, then how do you have any confidence in Licht’s quarterback evaluation as he chose Baker as well?
Baker has had only 1 winning season as a starting quarterback in the NFL, which is 1 less winning season than Jameis Winston (Winston has 2 winning season records as a starting quarterback) the turnover machine head case has had in the NFL.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:22 pm
$8.5 Million is a good deal for Baker Mayfield. Jamies Winston is getting paid $8 million and doesn’t actually have to play a single game 🤣
March 15th, 2023 at 8:23 pm
Andy Dalton just signed with Carolina. This division should be crazy this season. Still think we should sign Ryan as a backup if we can afford it. Lol.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:24 pm
Mike S – the days of no riskit no biscuit are done, like it or not. Trask has the mobility of Glennon. Canales coached Russell Wilson and Geno Smith, both of whom could run a little. That would be criterion #1 for RPO offense, a QB who has some legs.
Trask also is processing NFL field action at the speed of smell. He has now proven that to his coaches and management, so yeah if you were running the show you’d hand the ball to a dude who may emulate Rudy Carpenter’s career when all is said and done.
Fortunately Jason Licht runs the team.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:24 pm
Oneilsuckyall, ya know what, you’re right. There is no further reason to provide input on this site, just hanging around to see who the next victim QB would be. Enjoy your season.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Hopefully our new OC can resurrect Baker Mayfield career like he did Geno Smith and at least put us back in the playoffs
March 15th, 2023 at 8:29 pm
There is no doubt in my mind Trask will get some serious playing time. Look at Bakers track record. Like BucsAnthem said he couldn’t even beat out Sam Darnold or that other dude with Carolina. It’s a low monetary risk, high reward move my Jason. I don’t hate it in theory but is Minshew available for the same dollars?
March 15th, 2023 at 8:30 pm
Um…Trashk couldn’t even beat out Goobert, who is currently unemployed.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:31 pm
Oneilbuc has knocked out NEfan/listnrfrmafar!
Never would have seen that coming.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:33 pm
Goatfarmer you just don’t know that and the 2022 preseason tape on him doesn’t show that at all.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:34 pm
Appreciate his alpha dog take charge mentality. He’s a gamer always ready to win.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:34 pm
Mike S-
Step off the ledge, dude. It’s not all as bad as you think.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Cool…can’t win with Turd Bowles…even if you got TOM BRADY!
March 15th, 2023 at 8:44 pm
Lol play like himself lol man that’s even worse, how about if you play like you been playing you wouldn’t be playing at all
March 15th, 2023 at 8:48 pm
Baker Mayfield had 5 total passes in all of 2022 that were 20+ yards
Trask had 5 against Miami in 3 quarters during preseason.
Baker despite all his bravado is a check down charlie.
Sasquatch we’ll be wearing bags on our heads before the end of this year.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:49 pm
Mike S – repeat this to yourself, slowly –
TRASK WAS INCAPABLE OF BEATING OUT BLAINE GABBERT.
Mayfield >>> Gabbert. Based on demonstrated performance. The offense has changed. I don’t like Bloweszo at all but if he’s going to insist on a conservative offense, best to have an OC who knows RPO and a QB who can operate it.
Take down your Trashk poster, wipe it off, and send it to U of F.
March 15th, 2023 at 8:50 pm
IF Trask can’t beat out Mayfield then that 2nd pick was a complete waste.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:07 pm
Goatfarmer
BLAINE GABBERT WAS BRADY’S CADDY AND BA’S GUY
Brady is gone, BA’s gone and so is Gabbert.
You’re not wrong about what Bowles wants. He brought in his check down charlie OC and his check down charlie QB. The Bucs are going to average under 300 total yards a game next season.
Carolina had 306 ypg & LA had 280 ypg – the two teams Mayfield played for.
Carolina had a top 10 rushing team. Bucs were dead last in rushing.
How many stats do I need to quote you? Can you not see how this is going to add up?
The Glazers don’t fire coaches mid season so we’re stuck with Bowles until this inevitable car wreck season is over.
Its going to get ugly.
What we want if for Trask to get in there and some PT under his belt going into 2024 where we get a new HC and some draft capital.
I have news for you. Mayfield is going to fail in spectacular fashion – and then the Gator faithful will storm the bastille at 1buc DEMANDING Trask plays. Trask will get his chance despite Bowles and hopefull we win a few games in late Nov and Dec.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:09 pm
@Anthem – Godwin and Gage both have speed when healthy. Thompkins is fast as hell. So is Scotty Miller (if he even makes the team). R White and Sneak both have speed as well. Plus they can add someone this offseason.
So I wouldn’t be so sure about the RPO not working… but that’s not even the main element of Canales offense. It’s about scheming guys open, mixing up formations, etc.
I for one, welcome the creativity. We’ll see how it all plays out…
March 15th, 2023 at 9:15 pm
OT: UCF just ended the entire Florida Gators basketball program tonight.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Miller has to be re-signed before he even has a chance to make the team. No guarantee that’s going to happen after he rode the bench practically all of last year.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:24 pm
Four million dollars on a one year contract says he is a break glass in case of emergency back up guy in case Trask gets hurt and the college guy they are going to draft isn’t ready for back up duty or to challenge Trask for the starting job IMHO.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:25 pm
Goatfarmer … ‘But the most important aspect of RPO offense is that the QB can occasionally do something with his legs. Bake has that.’
Run-pass option with Baker? Seriously Goatfarmer? The guy has 660 TOTAL yards rushing in 5 years. That works out to under 10 rushing yards a game. Ran a 4.84 sec 40-yard dash at his Combine, which isn’t particularly fast (heck, Mac Jones beat that by over a tenth of a second & he’s a pocket passer).
If I remember correctly from past games watching Mayfield, he’s a scrambler (to buy time for plays to develop), but not a real rushing threat like say Josh Allen is.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:25 pm
Lol hmm ok Baker is starting
March 15th, 2023 at 9:27 pm
Put a fork in Scotty – Leftwich wrecked his career. Its like that sometimes. Hopefully he catches on elsewhere.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:34 pm
FlBoy84 – I hope you’re right. I also hope Canales sees the personnel and doesn’t try to run a carbon copy of the Seahawks offense here. Marshawn Lynch isn’t coming out of retirement. Bucs are not going to jump from dead last to being a top 10 running team. We don’t even need that. A middle of pack running game that can produce a little spark here and there with a QB who can make all the throws is what we need. The Bucs have elite talent at WR. That’s who they are. When you have Evans and Godwin and you don’t push the ball down field – you are setting your money on fire in the WR room.
March 15th, 2023 at 9:36 pm
Rusty that was a vicious beatdown for sure
March 15th, 2023 at 9:54 pm
Baker WILL beat Trask for the starting job….count on that! Unless Trask gets it together. I kind of feel like he was drafted and took the money and ran with it. Thats why you dont see any confidence behind the kid. And it happens….you’ve got to have the love of the game and wanting to play it, inside of you, no matter the money. Brady saw something and said a big old nope for a reason…thats why he didnt even try to mentor him.
Im glad we signed Baker for a reasonable price. If he comes in and blows up, then he’ll get another chance.
….and on we go
March 15th, 2023 at 10:03 pm
“Joe can’t say Derek Carr of the Saints is significantly better”
I sure can.
More likely, he was promised a fair chance to compete for the starting role…and he took it because of our WRs and because he is running out of chances.
That and Jason Licht sold him on the Oline being great…which he certain did convince the new OC of.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
I for one am hoping Trask fights tooth and nail for that starting role.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
DR — clear the fog out of your posts and maybe we can talk. I didn’t say Baker would be the next Mike Vick. He can run a bit. A lot better than Trashkan fr sure. The point is, there is a threat to run with him. None with Trashkan, who would make defenses remember Brady’s run threat.
You are the one who said “The rebuild is complete” under Dumbforknik, aren’t you.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:12 pm
Now that the Bucs have a solid Veteran Backup (Mayfield) it will take pressure off of the Bucs 2023 2nd rd pick to be the incoming 2nd Stringer
Starter=Trask
2nd String = Mayfield
3rd String = Tall QB from Stanford
March 15th, 2023 at 10:22 pm
Not saying that I believe Kyle Trask will be a good NFL quarterback, but to say he’s immobile is just not the case.
Against Alabama in the SEC title game, a team I follow as I respect the coaching of Nick Saban immensely, Kyle Trask ran the ball numerous times on designed qb power runs for first downs and touchdowns.
That game is on YouTube. Watch it.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:24 pm
Licht has done exactly what he said. Bring in an inexpensive veteran QB to compete with Trask, possibly draft another. Thats it. No preconceived notion that either one will lead the Bucs to the promise land this year. If Trask can’t compete for the number one then its time to move on from him. Licht will continue to bypass high priced retread free agents. Covet thy own players if warranted (ie: Dean and David). Licht is working on paying off the SuperBowl, Saving money, Balancing the Bucs checkbook for an all in QB sweepstakes next year. Draft for the trenches this year. Stay the course Jason.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:45 pm
I’d like to see one more veteran QB added, maybe Minshew?
Maybe a cheap, but mobil guy. Then a 3 way competition.
March 15th, 2023 at 10:47 pm
I hope not. Every job should be an open competition.
March 15th, 2023 at 11:02 pm
Goatfarmer all you do is insult people and offer your opinions as if you are some kind of authority. Its funny.
Have you been at OTAs? Practice? Do you hold any experience in the NFL as a talent evaluator? Have you been in any of the meeting rooms? No you’re just some internet poster.
Now Joe has been an eyewitness and Joe said Trask has had some rough practices. That holds a bit more credibility. Then again, am I to disbelieve my own lying eyes? Trask finished preseason strong last year. We all saw it. He threw some absolute dimes.
You just want to bang on the guy for whatever reason. I don’t know. What you say doesn’t match the tape.
You say Trask isn’t picking up the offense – but BA went on the Pat McAfee show and compared him to Andrew Luck in cerebral football acumen. That’s high praise. Then you say he couldn’t beat out Gabbert. Meanwhile Gabbert was Brady’s offseason workout buddy and now that the GOAT is gone they didn’t bring him back. That tells me something. They like Trask – at least the front office does.
Here’s my take:
100% Trask is an inexperienced guy, but for my money he’s going to be better than any rookie QB coming out of this draft. Young and Stroud don’t project as elite – they got Romo and Geno comparisons and that’s hyping them up. Trask has had 2 years of development which is a big head start. We need to have a bit of patience and let this kid get his reps.
Go watch the Mariucci white board with Trask. There is a lot to like about this kid. There is big upside. I think we know what we got with Mayfield. Yeah he’s a competitive guy, but at best he’s a complimentary piece if you have an already strong squad – not franchise QB. Its been tough sledding for him since 2021. He’s never been a put the ball into his hands and carry the squad guy. Trask has a chance to be very good player. So I think Mayfield should be the insurance policy bridge is Trask falls flat.
March 15th, 2023 at 11:04 pm
Goatfarmer all you do is insult people and offer your opinions as if you are some kind of authority. Its funny.
Have you been at OTAs? Practice? Do you hold any experience in the NFL as a talent evaluator? Have you been in any of the meeting rooms? No you’re just some internet poster.
Now Joe has been an eyewitness and Joe said Trask has had some rough practices. That holds a bit more credibility. Then again, am I to disbelieve my own lying eyes? Trask finished preseason strong last year. We all saw it. He threw some absolute dimes.
You just want to bang on the guy for whatever reason.
You say Trask isn’t picking up the offense – but BA went on the Pat McAfee show and compared him to Andrew Luck in cerebral football acumen. That’s high praise. Then you say he couldn’t beat out Gabbert. Meanwhile Gabbert was Brady’s offseason workout buddy and now that the GOAT is gone they didn’t bring him back. That tells me something. They like Trask – at least the front office does.
Go watch the Mariucci white board with Trask. There is a lot to like about this kid. There is big upside. I think we know what we got with Mayfield. Yeah he’s a competitive guy, but at best he’s a complimentary piece – not franchise QB. Its been tough sledding for him since the 2021 injury. He’s never been a put the ball into his hands and carry the squad guy. Trask has a chance to be that. So I think Mayfield should be the insurance policy bridge is Trask falls flat.
March 15th, 2023 at 11:11 pm
Dilfer > Mayfield
King > Mayfield
Griese > Mayfield
Freeman > Mayfield
Mayfield > Winston
March 15th, 2023 at 11:39 pm
A one year deal for $4 mil with $4.5 mil in incentives is a backup QB price for a a QB with starting/winning experience. That’s a great deal. I hope Trask does well, but to be honest, he has to make a GIANT leap. I’m not married to him, if it doesn’t translate into the field, I could care less how hard Trask works, when he comes in, or when he goes home.
It’s about wins.
I can tell you that although I’ve never liked Baker Mayfield (I’m a Buckeye), I know this guy LIVES with a chip on his shoulder. Mayfield has an alpha mentality and he’s healthier than he’s been since entering the league.
Good for him – Jason has been able to craft a good team – solid in every area. I’m not betting on the next Gator or ‘Nole out of a second rate program in their respective conference. I’m hoping Licht caught lightning in a bottle (again)!
What a job Jason Licht has been doing these past several years….Brady, a Super Bowl AND a chance to compete (again) after all THAT success…truly amazing!
AND Jamel Dean, AND Lavonte David….!?
Hats off to this organization, but Jason Licht just put together an MVP offseason!
March 15th, 2023 at 11:46 pm
$4M doesn’t guarantee anything….
Mayfield was our best option for what we could afford and the Bucs signed him for less than what I expected…
Welcome aboard Baker.
Hopefully your bet on yourself will pay off and you will play your way into a fat contract next year.
March 15th, 2023 at 11:55 pm
After everythng I said above – we’re going mobile QB – that’s a dink & dunk offense no matter if it’s Tras(h)k or Bakersdozen. O-line will be retooled, maybe we’ll see Tristan Wirfs bounce to Left Tackle – maybe not. If not, we better have a QB on roller skates – and we may need BOTH QB’s to finish the season.
Best deal Jason COULD make – he made – now it’s up to the coaches & players.
It could be a real drag if everything doesn’t fire right – likely won’t for the first quarter to half of this season. Especially after assembling so many new parts/new offensive philosophy.
Which means this is primarily a defensive season – and those first few picks may be defensive line.
Maybe we’ll pick up a QB in the draft, but a mobile one on the later rounds that fits and could fill in for a game or two if push comes to shove in the last quarter of the season.
Not expecting miracles, just want us to compete for the vets that have worked to be the best these past few years. I think Licht did everything he could this season to make us competitive.
March 16th, 2023 at 12:17 am
Mike S — if you want to use Joe as your authority, fine. I see that I am in agreement with Joe.
First — I am a Florida Gator. That means, I know that no Gator QB has ever succeeded in the NFL. Unless you consider Rex Grossman a roaring success. Thats about 100 years of history.
Second, I watched Trashkan stare down his primary and get away with it because his primary was either Toney or Pitts, or Jefferson, or Pierce, all in the NFL — against competition who aren’t.
Third — here’s a guy whou couldn’t beat out Gabbert, who the management and coaching staff have watched every ay for two years, who spent a 2nd roud pick on the guy, and their actions speak way louder than any Trashkan fanboi wannabe words.
The dude is Rude Carpenter — or Ryan Griffin — if he’s lucky.
The truth hurts sometimes.
March 16th, 2023 at 12:26 am
Yes considering the Cap situation Jason Licht has done a wonderful job in the off season. Give credit where credit is due. Now time to pick up some winners in the draft! Great job Jason!
March 16th, 2023 at 12:39 am
Refreshing to see solid analysis @Goatkeeper, that you’re as Gator makes it even more refreshing.
Great posts throughout this thread – H/T.
By the way, solid takes & I agree.
March 16th, 2023 at 1:06 am
Its all so tiresome.
March 16th, 2023 at 1:28 am
No Gator would call Trask “Trashkan”. You’re unbelievably full of it. Gators know what Kyle did.
Then you validate yourself with an alt account. Funny.
This is a comments section on a sports website and you’re running troll tactics. Why are you that emotionally invested?
Sir this is a Wendy’s
Bucs got a decent young QB prospect who’s ready to get his shot. Let’s not root against the guy and see what he can do. Sheesh.
March 16th, 2023 at 2:00 am
Could care less about Johnny Manziel 2.0. Yappity little dog. Terrible signing.
March 16th, 2023 at 2:25 am
There it is, boys. Baker Mayfield is your starter. I see no way Trask will beat him out for the start. Kyle will get his chance soon, as unlikely as it is that he wins out.
It is awfully curious why Mayfield didn’t stay with the Rams, but Joe’s speculation makes sense. You take the more likely starting job, even on a bad team. Because especially if your ego is as big as Baker’s, you just know you will godlike singlehandedly make the team a SB champ by your mere presence, your Progressive Insurance commercial appeal, and your Jeff Garcia style game.
Like or hate Mayfield, most of the free agents have been snapped up already, even the average ones like Keenum and Brissett. If the Bucs are true to their word, they will sign one more veteran, so who’s left on a fast dwindling list? Wentz, Old Man Ryan, Mariota, Teddy Bilgewater, Mason Rudolph, Drew Lock and…Blaine Gabbert. I doubt they go for a starter type like Wentz, or a statue like Ryan at his age. If they want a 3-way competition, they should target a younger one and have low expectations like Lock or Gardner Minshew Mania.
My money is on Bowles insisting on Gabbert, because Gabbert is one of Bowles’ “favorite quarterbacks, so smart, so tough” etc. and familiarity is everything. I am surprised that Todd approved of bringing in another guy with an attitude who could be “trouble” but fine. So a wild experiment in Mayfield (perhaps pushed by Rah Rah Canales) would be offset that with boredom, Gabbert. That’s my guess.
But Mayfield and Minshew, competing with Trask? That would be high entertainment. Mayfield brings hilarity and drama along the lines of Connor McGregor Fitzmagic. So would Minshew. Go get Minshew! And if Trask does anything at all, it would be amusing.
So put aside your serious football expectations, guys. This is it. You go from the top of the football world and Tom Brady, to a season of potential comedy and volatility.
With Todd Bowles in charge, Mr. Excitement Canales, Mayfield the Alpha Man at QB, and a team that is otherwise a clusterF, you will be kept guessing.
Here’s to at least having fun in the Bowles Ball decline…that could turn into who knows!
March 16th, 2023 at 2:56 am
Baker Mayfield to agent: “They’re asking me if I can beat out Kyle Trask?… (five minutes of laughter)….pack up my shades and my fur coats, I’m on the next flight.”
March 16th, 2023 at 3:13 am
Goatfarmer is a gator. ROFLMAO.
Yeah riiiiiiiight.
March 16th, 2023 at 3:32 am
I really want Trask to get his shot. Since Brady retired I’ve been ready to see it, but I’m super excited of Mayfield signing. We’ve got weapons for him. He can win and keep this engine going. I’m already ordering a baker mayfield jersey for GameDay. This will be a great pick up that won’t screw our cap for years to come.
March 16th, 2023 at 6:05 am
Doug Dicky.
Wes Chandler.
I watched them at Florida Field, way before it was called The Swamp.
Those that doubt? Name me some G-Ville bars and eateries, especially on University Ave. I can give you bartender’s names.
March 16th, 2023 at 6:06 am
Moderation?
March 16th, 2023 at 6:06 am
I love Todd Bowles
March 16th, 2023 at 7:29 am
Whether it’s 4 or 8…it’s backup money. One year clarifiies that fact. The scary thing here: The Bucs could not afford a good FA QB so they basic have two backups on the roster promising one of them (and anyone else they dig up) they may be able to start if they play differently than they have in the past. I hope someone shines, and those hopes are up there with me hoping to win the Lottery. The QB situation stinks at One Buc. I’d not let them to convince us fans to roll around gleefully the mud.
March 16th, 2023 at 7:32 am
From the guys who brought us Winston and Aguayo. The guys who went “all in” and turned in a losing season with some of the worse losses in Bucs history. Yeah, let’s get excited about this signing.
March 16th, 2023 at 8:18 am
Pretty easy to determine who the QB will be. Let Trask and Mayfield split the preseason with the # 1 offense and watch the film, whoever was better is the starter.
March 17th, 2023 at 5:53 am
Yup…Joe You just keep stirring that pot. All these guppies are just eating it up. I really hope Trask lights it up and embarrasses all of negative Nancy so-called Bucs fans enough to keep them out of RayJay and JBF and let the true fans enjoy some football!