USA Today: Bucs Might Grab A Quarterback
August 30th, 2023
Haters hating.
It’s beginning to get comical.
The Bucs currently only have two quarterbacks after releasing John Wolford this week. New NFL rules allow a quarterback on the 53-man roster to be a team’s emergency quarterback on gamedays without counting against the team’s active gameday roster of 48 men.
Over at Touchdown Wire, owned and operated by USA Today, Natalie Miller believes the Bucs will soon add a quarterback not named “John Wolford.” And that man is former Gators and Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier.
Why? You know why. It’s because the Bucs have Baker Mayfield (and Kyle Trask, too). Remember, national NFL scribes do not like Mayfield. You may have heard them say this is why the Bucs will be drafting a quarterback early on the first night of the draft next spring.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are really stretching with what they currently have with their current quarterback room. We know Baker Mayfield isn’t a long…or really even short term answer at the position, and Kyle Trask has yet to show the ability to be a starter for Tampa Bay. It would certainly be a dart throw, but can you really convince yourself that Will Grier wouldn’t potentially be the best quarterback on the roster the moment he steps into the building?
Stop!
Like Grier is the answer, honey? Grier was a nice college quarterback and he’s bounced around the league since 2019 and has only played in three games. But yeah, he’s a better choice than Mayfield, sure. (Yes, Joe is aware Grier has 41 more attempts in the NFL than Trask.)
Man, you really, really, really have to despise Mayfield to even think Grier might be a better option for the Bucs. Geez.
Now that’s tanking!
August 30th, 2023 at 10:04 am
That’s just stupid.
August 30th, 2023 at 10:06 am
Bengals grabbed Will this morning
August 30th, 2023 at 10:06 am
Gator Nation is getting excited
August 30th, 2023 at 10:11 am
USA Today blows and this lady is a moron…
August 30th, 2023 at 10:15 am
Stupid is forever.
August 30th, 2023 at 10:15 am
Very stupid take!
August 30th, 2023 at 10:16 am
Not serious, please, come on now!!
August 30th, 2023 at 10:26 am
Embarrassing that’s desperation talking. Is there really someone out there that’s gonna come here learn the system in the middle of the season then beat out baker or Trask? Will Grier is gonna do that really?
August 30th, 2023 at 10:28 am
Joe says,
“New NFL rules allow a practice squad quarterback to be a team’s emergency QB on gamedays without having to be elevated to the active gameday roster.”
So does this technically mean it’s actually a 54-man gameday roster? If QB1 and QB2 get hurt, then QB3 is dressed, at the game, and ready to go in?
Just curious how this will work since it’s a new rule.
Thanks!!
August 30th, 2023 at 10:28 am
Good Grief !!
Joe Namath is available, not under any NFL contract, why not sign him? He’s better than Grier!
August 30th, 2023 at 10:31 am
Just stop it until we play a game…
August 30th, 2023 at 10:34 am
The level of disdain thrown Bakers way actually makes me optimistic he could be really good.
August 30th, 2023 at 10:40 am
I saw nothing from Wolford that says he can’t be a starting quarterback
August 30th, 2023 at 10:42 am
The Mayfield hate is massive. I don’t see why, it’s more like playing “gossip” in grade school among the talking heads or trying to one-up each other in who can trash Mayfield the most.
I love football. I hate casual talking heads.
August 30th, 2023 at 10:44 am
You’re passing along bad info, Joe. Practice squad players cannot be elevated to be the emergency QB on game day. They must come from the active 53 roster. Emergency QB’s only do not count against the 2023 game day active limitation of 47 or 48.
“Each club may also designate one emergency third quarterback from its 53- player Active/Inactive List (i.e., elevated players are not eligible for designation)”
August 30th, 2023 at 11:03 am
Ya know, it might not be worth re-sharing the ridiculous ideas of total morons. I’m sure there must be something more newsworthy.
August 30th, 2023 at 11:20 am
@ Frozen: Stop with the Dink ‘n Dunk Baker stuff already. If you don’t think Baker can throw the deep ball then you’ve probably been watching professional bowling rather than NFL football games over the last five years. So, get serious!
@ Lt. Dan: Please straighten this guy out for me ok, lol.
#BAKER IS BETTER
August 30th, 2023 at 11:20 am
What is wrong with Wolford? He looked pretty good in preseason. Is he still injured?
August 30th, 2023 at 11:24 am
Wow she is making a bad name for women in sports.
That is simply regurgitation of bad information.
I watched Bakers highlights last night and he can make every throw when not injured. Even on his bad tape the throws weren’t picks like Winston used to throw. Even Browns fans didn’t think Baker was bad during a so called horrible 3 game stretch. They went 1-2 but lost to really good teams.
I hope Baker proves EVERYONE wrong.
August 30th, 2023 at 11:35 am
Joe … Please tell USA Today to save that headline until the 2024 draft. They MIGHT be right then.
August 30th, 2023 at 11:37 am
Can’t figure out who is more stupid the Fake news media pundits or the Baker bashing trolls. You all have heard the old saying “you can’t fix stupid” It seems to infect a large % percentage of the National DNA. After all isn’t that how we manage to elect a large portion of our politicians? Same deal in the wide world of sports.
August 30th, 2023 at 11:51 am
I certainly don’t mind Grier as our number 3. As a gator homer, I loved him in college, but I think he’s already played his best.
August 30th, 2023 at 11:58 am
Don’t waste u r breath on the trolls they think they r getting under u r skin with thier worthless views on no knowledge banter.the bucs r now bakerbucs he is an awesome young man.u never hear garbage out of his mouth I suggest u do the same
August 30th, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Pick up Zappe!
August 30th, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Honestly I don’t think Joe is even a Bucs fan lmao! I’m hoping mayfield tares it up first place I’m going is Joe bucs fan hahaha!
August 30th, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Joe says: Man, you really, really, really have to despise Mayfield to even think Grier might be a better option for the Bucs. Geez.
There are a few here that really, really, really, despise Baker that much. They’ve let their bromance for Trask, fuel their hatred for Baker. So the hate they show for Baker, represents the “Luuuuv” they have for Kyle. 😍
August 30th, 2023 at 12:12 pm
The BUCS look like they are leaning more towards a West Coast type Offense, strong running game and 10 yard pass and a cloud of dust, which Baker could thrive in, it would take the pressure off the Quarterbacks and cut back on turnovers, and BeeJ is right they should just hang on to Wolford, he looked good when given the oppurtunity, I know it was preseason I get it.
August 30th, 2023 at 12:15 pm
Sorry for the misspell “Opportunity”
August 30th, 2023 at 12:22 pm
We’re flying under the radar….play the over on vegas win/loss
August 30th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
sports news is just as worthless as regular news.
August 30th, 2023 at 12:41 pm
He’s a Bengal now, next…………
August 30th, 2023 at 12:52 pm
The incoherent drivel written about this team from outside sources this off season has been very difficult to stomach. The down right hatred for Mayfield is unreal. I hope our boys especially Mayfield make the lot of em eat a big ole turd Sammich this season. Go Bucs!
August 30th, 2023 at 12:52 pm
No one thinks for themselves anymore. Whatever is said on MSM is gospel.
Seems like people have gotten so damn soft, they’re afraid to say what’s on there mind. Afraid to labeled or mocked. F that! I’ve been around a long while.
Ol Dirk said “speak softly and CARRY A BIG MF’n STICK!” Screw the haters, as a life long Bucs fan we’ve been bottom dwellers a long long time. This ain’t nothing new.
August 30th, 2023 at 12:57 pm
It will be like this all week and again if the Bucs offense takes some time to gel.
The national media has very little memory and very little nuance, and feeds off each other.
August 30th, 2023 at 12:59 pm
You’d think Mayfield was Trump by the way the media despises him lol
August 30th, 2023 at 1:06 pm
Put the bong down Natty
August 30th, 2023 at 1:08 pm
Once again all of you wanna be coaches are talking out of your ass. The roster is set, can’t we just play a few games before we direct Baker. I hope to hell he wins 8-9 games to shut most of you lousy ass mouths up. You people act like the man has done nothing. I’m not making excuses for him but he’s no Brady. Hell people Brady is retired. It’s time to get over being spoiled. Calm down and let the team see what they can do.
August 30th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
Agent provided article to drum up interest or leverage
August 30th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
This is ridiculous. BREAKING NEWS: Bucs are bringing in Will Grier to solidify the quarterback position. So stupid
August 30th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Yes Anakin, embrace the angst and anxiety. The talking heads just want to put the “Post Brady” label on this team, and although its hard to argue against, its just low hanging fruit. If you have Evans and Godwin, the coach that puts them in position to succeed is more important than the QB. Traskerfield will be just as viable, as McClown, Fitzmagic, Jameis, and an old GOAT. I think Trey Palmer is a revelation, and Bowles will have enough firepower to hold serve on defense this season.
August 30th, 2023 at 1:23 pm
I thought Wolford looked OK, he’d be fine as a #3/PS QB. And he seems to know Canale’s offense.
August 30th, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Since Grier just signed with the Bengals, kinda makes me wonder if this ‘BREAKING NEWS’ wasn’t planted by Grier’s agent just prior to that as a negotiation ploy. Of course no sports agent would ever do such a dastardly thing, but still.
August 30th, 2023 at 1:31 pm
Bobby M … Had JBF open & didn’t check for latest comments before making mine. Apologies. Sounds like we’re both somewhat skeptical of sports agents though.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:06 pm
Jayden Daniels from LSU is currently projected to be selected in the late 2nd or possibly the 3rd round. He would be the perfect project for Dave Canales’ system
August 30th, 2023 at 2:06 pm
Natalie Miller also writes for Panthers Wire, which is a Carolina Panthers fan page.
So consider the source, lol.
Baker Mayfield is going to surprise a LOT of people this year. I am looking forward to it.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:17 pm
No comment on a specific selection, but yeah, you always want a quarterback for the practice squad as an emergency backup. Quarterbacks go down to injury every year in the league, sometimes more than on on a single team.
I am sure that Jason Light has his eyes on one or several candidates for the 3rd QB and he doesn’t need any advice from anyone in the media or internet comment pages. That’s his job – and he’s doing it.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:21 pm
@frozen. Give Mayfield a break. Dig deeper. Mayfield’s 21 interceptions in 2019 really messed up his stats. According to PFF, 2019 was the year the Brown’s offensive line dive-bombed from rated #2 in 2018 to #23 in 2019. HC Kitchens favored long developing plays unsupported by the offensive line. Also, 2019 was the year that HC Kitchens was at odds with OC T Monken. Monken stated that Kitchens would call plays on Sundays that they had not practiced and would leave concepts they installed throughout the week ice cold on his play sheet. For perspective let’s compare Mayfield’s career 64 interception stats to Josh Allen’s 60:
Mayfield 2018-14
2019-21
2020-8
2021-13
2022-8
Allen 2018-12
2019-9
2020-10
2021-15
2022-14
For further context:
Winston 2015-15
2016-18
2017-11
2018-14
2019-30
If I were interested, I’d dig to find out what circumstances caused Winston’s 2019 interception explosion. But, whatever. I hope this info is comforting. Peace.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:22 pm
USA Today is called fake news for a reason.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:32 pm
In case you still think there’s validity to the Baker hate, this should be the nail in the coffin.
Anyways, Matt Corral just became available. More upside than Grier
August 30th, 2023 at 2:42 pm
Hope Wolford is OK. He was better than Mayfield.
August 30th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Bucs should give Matt Corral a look since Panthers just released him…
Young guy that was drafted into a bad situation!
August 30th, 2023 at 3:24 pm
Baker still has Skip ogling over him like a high school crush. His three yes men were right along with him too. One nearly jumped out of his chair saying ‘ if that Receiver didn’t Fumble the ball its a whole different game. Browns beat the Chiefs.”
At least with Shannon there he would ask Was it the receivers fault he had three defenders around him when the ball was thrown to him and picked in Cleveland’s own End?
Was it the receivers fault they were running routes downfield and the ball was being checked down to the tune of 3 of 4 and 11 yards on the most important drive of the season? I guess it’s bad for the Brand to have an Interception ending the Season.
Beauty of television. You hear and see what they want you to.
Even Nick Wright is on the BMBW. Saying things like this guy’s the real thing while he sits on two Phone Books from the seventies to look taller than the 5’7″ he is. Don’t pan below the table where people can see the milk crate he uses to get up in his chair. Perhaps that’s the attraction.
As far as this Miller Gal? She won’t be doing many live sideline interviews any time soon. She is definitely no Aileen Hnatiuk. It’s like comparing Baker to Brady.
August 30th, 2023 at 3:35 pm
you need an emergency qb
a veteran qb that won’t embarrass you I would think is preferred
Colt McCoy comes to mind who can meet those criteria
August 30th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
I see that Wolford ended up on the practice spot
August 30th, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Hmmm… she must be pretty.
August 30th, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Johnny Wilson to the Bucs.
August 30th, 2023 at 3:55 pm
I’d like to see our opening play be a bomb to Evans or Palmer. They won’t be expecting that.
August 30th, 2023 at 4:00 pm
LOL She’s been in town for a month and already she’s a star. 🙂
August 30th, 2023 at 4:15 pm
@honest facts – what are you blathering about? Sportswriters have ALWAYS given opinions. You may disagree with them but these have been around since time began. Some teams get good prognostications and some don’t. Same with players. Your MSM BS is ridiculous. You are pushing the MSM narrative in a place it doesn’t belong. Joe, please ban these yokels. The great TOM MCEWEN WAS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS SUNDAY OPINION PIECES. You people need to find something better to do with your conspiracy time. It is old dude(like you probably are).
August 30th, 2023 at 4:29 pm
If I was BM and ended up having a very successful season with the Bucs, I would deny every one of these media clowns an interview. Because you know they will be chasing him if finds succes here. These people are parasites and latch on to anyone they think will enhance their media careers and/or bash anyone they can if they think they will gain from it. They are truly pathetic!
August 30th, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Bakers gonna do what bakers gonna do. I’m optimistic, but he is a short term solution. Unfortunately, trask likely isn’t the answer either and that’s a bigger problem. In fact the whole 2021 draft class is not that great which will hurt.
August 30th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Now that we got Wolford back I truly, truly, truly believe that we have the best QB room in the entire NFL for the money we spent.
On top of having 3 different QB styles that can confuse other teams, I believe all three are NFL-starting talent.
August 30th, 2023 at 6:59 pm
At the time of Will Grier’s draft he had the fastest release after the snap from center. So he fits Canales’s offense. Too bad Canale’s can’t do what Urban Meyer did and call plays that would fit Trask that plays similar to Brady and get the ball down the field. Urban Meyer should have been hired as Offensive Coordinator.
August 30th, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Meyer had nothing to do with Grier or Trask
Meyer is a horrible human being.
From a Gator…heck naw…hellz naw…
August 30th, 2023 at 8:42 pm
Matt Corral getting cut doesn’t bode well for the Panthers, imo. Why wouldn’t you want a young decent qb prospect around when your projected starter is as short and skinny and unproven as Bryce Young? Either Corral is a flop, or he threatens Young’s confidence.
August 30th, 2023 at 9:12 pm
yeah it’s now a 54 man roster…well sorta…
with that imaginary qb3 roaming the sidelines…
the league never wants a situation like they had with san fran in the playoffs again…
after crock turdy & josh johnson both got hurt…and purdy was forced to come back in for a long stint with a shot arm
August 30th, 2023 at 9:14 pm
people on here thinking dudes looking ultra impressive in preseason games, against players who are literally no longer in the league, need to rethink their lobotomy doctor of choice
August 31st, 2023 at 1:38 am
Nope thinks it is none other than crackhead Joe Biden writing these tabloid pieces. Poor Joe brown stain..Will signed with Cincinnati today yuck snort cough. But your severe distain for former UF QB’S is once again on display. Can’t wait to read your new Mayflaw excuses around week 3 lol.
August 31st, 2023 at 2:41 am
USA Today
Really Joe?
Geez!
Go Bucs!
August 31st, 2023 at 4:20 am
Stupid is as stupid writes. Gotta be kidding me with this one…
August 31st, 2023 at 6:31 am
Remember: Baker went to the worst team in the league and was named “Rookie of the Year” and they went from 0-16 to 5-11 in his rookie season. The following year he was 11-5 and played injured and led his team to the playoffs and the Browns got screwed against the Kansas City Chiefs with less than two minutes left when his receiver was hit helmet to helmet and out of bounds at the 1 yard line!! It should have been 1st and goal at the one with less than 1 minute left and it would have been Baker in the AFC Championship not Mahomes!! Btw I’m not a Browns fan
August 31st, 2023 at 4:58 pm
If I’m them I’m definitely hanging onto Wolford no matter what. Especially when you don’t really know what you might get from Baker or Trask & Wolford definitely showed he’s got the potential if they just give him a chance.