Could Kyle Trask Be In Trouble?

January 30th, 2024

Bucs QB Kyle Trask.

So it’s a very safe bet the Bucs will either slap the franchise tag on Baker Mayfield or re-sign him to a multiyear conract.

An even safer bet is the Bucs will have a new offensive coordinator. But what if that playcaller isn’t Tampa Bay QB coach Thad Lewis and comes from outside the Bucs’ organization?

If so, there’s a great chance the new OC will want to bring in a veteran quarterback that’s familiar with him and his system, a guy for Mayfield to lean on with questions.

That has Joe wondering about Kyle Trask’s future. The Bucs’ backup quarterback is entering the final year of his rookie conract and is scheduled to earn $1.4 million this season and count $1.7 million against Tampa Bay’s salary cap.

An example off the top of Joe’s head, let’s say the Bucs hire 2023 Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to be their playcaller. He worked successfully with Mayfield in past seasons. And say Van Pelt wants the Bucs to sign veteran backup P.J. Walker, who was in Cleveland last season and wouldn’t cost much money, or Van Pelt wants to pull 30-year-old Brett Hundley off the street, a backup he groomed in Green Bay?

Joe finds it hard to believe the Bucs would tell Van Pelt he can’t have a cheap backup that he trusts. And what if the Bucs fall in love with a quarterback in the draft that they can land in Round 2? That player would be cheaper than Trask and offer many years of flexibility.

Joe knows of Trask fans hoping for Lewis to get the job so their guy keeps his preferred backup status next season.

82 Responses to “Could Kyle Trask Be In Trouble?”

  1. Bojim Says:

    I think we should Trade him to a team that may actually give him a chance to play.

  2. Buc4life Says:

    Why do you keep referencing the franchise tag for Baker?

    Do you really think he gets it over the best player on the team? You take Winfield Jr off this defense then you’ll really see a porous group.

  3. doolnutts Says:

    John Wolford would be the odd man out. Trask is at least developmental, Wolford is what he is

  4. TomBucsFan Says:

    I can see Jacksonville taking him.

  5. Boss Says:

    I think you have Trask fans confused with Buc fans. I wish Trask well and hope he gets a shot……but wins and losses comes first. Baker has earned a mid level deal. If he wants more and the team is better off, then I am fine with giving Trask a shot. I am no more sold as Trask being the QB as Baker.

    Because we have never seen Trask play. And before you say coaches know best, just look at Purdy and Brady. no one thought they had a shot either.

  6. Bucnjim Says:

    Not sure we will ever know about Trask. All I can do is guess that pocket passers are a thing of the past in the NFL. Successful QB’s seem to all be able to either move the pocket or throw on the run.

  7. Logged In To Says:

    Trade him to thw Cardinals, he can replace the dwarf

  8. It's Corn Says:

    Licht would have some say in that scenario I should think.

  9. D-Rome Says:

    Kyle Trask will be fine. I think he’ll have a good, long career in the NFL and by “good” I mean make millions of dollars in whatever role he has. There’s no shame in being a career backup if that’s what he ends up being.

  10. D-Rome Says:

    He will be fine. I think he’ll have a good, long career in the NFL and by “good” I mean make millions of dollars in whatever role he has. There’s no shame in being a career backup if that’s what he ends up being. Josh Johnson is still playing in the NFL after 16 years and he’s made over $10 million in that span.

  11. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Trask has been in trouble since he was drafted….Nothing new for him…

  12. Jay Says:

    Why does mayfield need a veteran QB to back him up and I don’t understand this infatuation with who is the backup is . Most fan bases could care but man Tampa fans have this crazy obsession over backup quarterbacks. Oh and 1.7 isn’t that expensive some backups are getting way more

  13. bucsfaninOregon Says:

    So long Trask. If after 3-4 years, they don’t think he has got “it”.

  14. HC Grover Says:

    The Panthers will take him and win the SB. LOL

  15. BuxfaninTX Says:

    I don’t think that he’s gotten a fair shake with the Bucs. Time to move on

  16. Maddog Says:

    The way the Bucs luck is, they’ll trade him and he’ll become the 2024 Version of Brock Purdy lol

  17. gotbbucs Says:

    They won’t tag Mayfield. They’ll tag Winfield.

  18. realistic-optimistic Says:

    I think both Trask and Mayfield are good backups with spot starter upside. One of them will cost his team a lot less money.

  19. BrianBucs Says:

    Be careful what you wish for.
    If Baker and the can’t make a deal and Baker moves on, then Trask is your Bucs starting QB for 2024

  20. realistic-optimistic Says:

    I think both Trask and Mayfield are good backups with spot starter upside. One of them will have a much more palatable price tag.

  21. gofortheface30 Says:

    “Joe knows of Trask fans hoping for Lewis to get the job so their guy keeps his preferred backup status next season.” – Subtle yet effective, are the best kind of zingers

  22. realistic-optimistic Says:

    I think both of our QBs are good backups with spot starter upside. One of them will have a much more palatable price tag.

  23. BakerFan Says:

    Trask could be the man here, not a given that Mayfield is signed as a Buc yet.

  24. BucFanDMV Says:

    I really hate this for him some of us remember what happened with Craig Erickson when the team drafted Dilfer when we didn’t need a quarterback at that time and Erickson never really got a chance to play after that, no way he was going to beat out Harbough when he was traded to Indianapolis.

    So hopefully Trask ends up somewhere where he can at least get a shot to play, drafted in second round and never even got a shot to play but hey this is what the Bucs do.

  25. BrianBucs Says:

    Be careful what you wish for.
    If Baker and the Bucs can’t reach a deal and the Bucs decide the franchise number is too high for Baker or decide to tag Winfield instead then Trask is your Bucs starting QB for 2024

  26. John Sinclear Says:

    What would be the point of wasting a draft pick on a QB? We do not use the draft pick QB’s anyhow. Better to draft a player we can actually put on the field!

  27. ATLBuc Says:

    Joe knows of Trask fans hoping for Lewis to get the job so their guy keeps his preferred backup status next season.
    ——————

    Actually, I expect Trask to start next season. I know that he outplayed Baker in training camp and preseason games.

  28. BucFanDMV Says:

    I would agree BuxfaninTX he hasn’t gotten a fair shake with the Bucs, there was never a QB competition and as much as they “tried to sell it”

    BuxfaninTX Says:
    January 30th, 2024 at 10:12 am
    I don’t think that he’s gotten a fair shake with the Bucs. Time to move on

  29. Jvato24 Says:

    Go get Jordan Travis, mark my words screenshot this post, Jordan Travis from the Seminoles will be one of the better more productive quarterbacks out of this draft

  30. D Cone Says:

    Trask did not have a choice on who drafted him. Spending two full seasons watching Brady up close has done nothing but helped him. High profile QB competition, whether legit or not has only helped also as it was deemed close. He has continually worked in his off seasons to get better and his progress was not all Canales.

    Teams are successful with a mobile QB until they are not. Lamar Jackson is on vacation and the Bucs shut down Maholmes in the Super Bowl.

    More teams will be looking for QB’s that have had time to develop ala Jordan Love or will be willing to play one on a Rookie Deal ala Brock Purdy and CJ Shroud and yes Desmond Ridder. Once Trask becomes available he will get plenty of looks.

    If the Bucs goal is to continue to make the Playoffs, get bounced in the first or hope for a dying quail for a win then Mayfield is certainly the guy.

    Too bad in addition to the Browns OC you can’t bring their O Line and their 2000 yard rushing attack. Might get to 10 wins.

  31. infomeplease Says:

    Backup QBs don’t get traded , they get released. Especially one who has only played a handful of series

  32. Dave Pear Says:

    Trashk, LOL.

  33. BrianBucs Says:

    Be careful what you wish for fellow Bucs fans.

    If Baker and the Bucs can’t make a deal and the Bucs feel the franchise tag number is too high for Baker, or the Bucs decide to tag Winfield or Evans then Trask will be the Bucs starting QB for 2024

  34. Larrd Says:

    O’ never heard of OCs bringing backup QBs with them. Baker is known to be a quick study. He is known to get hurt, too. I would rather have a good young backup, like Trask.

  35. Pickgrin Says:

    What if… What if…. What if….

    Silly article Joe.

    Trask showed last preseason that he is easily worth the $1.7M owed for the final year of his contract. Licht spent a 2nd round pick on this player so it seems highly unlikely the Bucs would just cut him in year 4 without ever having seen him play real snaps in a real game with a full complement of starters surrounding him.

  36. Bucs Fan since 1996 Says:

    Trask could follow Canales to Carolina, helping him over there. I doubt he’ll get traded anywhere though. He’s inexpensive and the Bucs don’t have any issue having 3 QB’s.

  37. Bucs since 76 Says:

    Trask is a lot cheaper then an experience backup QB. With the Bucs needing every dollar they can get their hands on to sign their free agents. Therefore, I think they would keep Trask a least one more year. Besides Mayfield has already played under Van Belt and knows his system doesn’t need a backup Quarterback to teach it to him.

  38. Mike Johnson Says:

    We never got a chance to see Trask play an entire game. He’s been on the shelf sinc he was drafted. Coaching staff must not have had any confidence in him or his abilities. Who knows? Kid may get a shot elsewhere and succeed. The league is funny that way.

  39. Tucker Says:

    Trask got his chance the bucs don’t believe he is good enough that’s why they signed and started Mayfield. Trask probably won’t ever be a starter anywhere that’s the story for most college quarterbacks.

  40. BFFL Says:

    Trask was in trouble the day Bowles became HC

  41. optimisticbucsfan Says:

    You’re not getting more than a 6th or 7th rounder for Trask…if that. Another BlueLicht special.

    Trask is probably done here. This is Baker’s team now.

    They need to work out a deal for Baker because I do not think you can carry any of the franchise tag money over into another year.

    Pay the man!

  42. Marine Buc Says:

    If Baker moves on – sign someone like Tannehill to the same deal Baker got last season. $4M + incentives.

    Then draft either Bo Nix or M. Penix at pick #26.

    Keep Trask on as the QB3.

    Let them all compete for QB1 just like we did last season.

  43. UGotRobbed Says:

    To bad KT hasn’t had much of an opportunity to show what he could do in a regular season game. I remember Brady wasn’t expected to do much as a 6 round pick, but when Bledsoe got hurt…well the rest is history! Maybe he’ll get his chance elsewhere??

  44. Duane in Sanford Says:

    Poor Trask. He didnt even hit Glennon status here. Imagine how unready to play he had to have been to lose a job to a guy playing for his fourth team in 2 seasons. There are reasons he never saw the light of day on the playing field, and I am glad we did not have to see them this season. He should follow Canales to Carolina.

  45. Brandon Says:

    If Van Pelt was hired he wouldn’t need another QB familiar with the system… Mayfield already knows it. You bring in backups and guys with experience in a system when there aren’t guys that know concepts and plays. That’s not necessary when your starting QB is familiar.

  46. TonyC Says:

    Joe, surely you can think of QBs who aren’t has beens like these two?

  47. Capt.Tim Says:

    In trouble?
    I’m sure hes done.
    He seems like a good kid. But he doesnt have an NFL arm.
    A continuation of our 2nd round curse.
    The Bucs were afraid to bring in Trask, even when Mayfield was hurt!

    Woolford is a really good back up.im sure our OC will add a guy, and let the two of them battle it out.

    But in no circumstance do I see Trask in the NFL next season.

  48. Bucsmarley Says:

    If we resign baker I hope Trask moves on and actually gets a fair and even playing field for a chance to start. Everyone that judges him from the 9 passes in real games is a complete moron. Every rookie qb has a learning curve which can only be learned when they are playing in real games. I hate the gators but remember when Trask came in and was excellent. Look at his numbers. Was included in heisman talks. I will support my team regardless but I will always be rooting for Trask to get a shot. Just would find it foolish to let him go without seeing what he could do. We have been burnt before by letting a qb walk and then what they have done. Hate for him to be the next Steve young or Doug Williams lol. But the kid has shown nothing but class within the situation he has been put in. Still don’t believe mayfield is the guy. 2 good years out of 6. .500 qb. Would rather roll with Trask and maybe trade a late end pick for Matt jones. Amazing sometimes how a new team and a new opportunity does for players. Thoughts??

  49. Hodad Says:

    Yeah cut him, and watch Canales scoop him up! Are you trying to help our division foes Joe? Trask would be a big help to Young, knowing the system, and would be a ready back up. I can see Trask, and Canales beating the Bucs. Good idea Joe, let’s save a buck, and cut Trask.

  50. Cobraboy Says:

    Is there a more irrelevant player on the Buc roster than Trask?

  51. OlBoy Says:

    I’m just here to see what Trask has

  52. TomBucsFan Says:

    We can keep or trade KT, but I can’t help but wonder if we used that pick on an OG or C for depth.

  53. Ted Says:

    Kyle Trask should be jettisoned so that he can go somewhere else and compete or retire to the next phase of life. Baker is obviously the golden boy and Trask will never see the field. Quite frankly even as a lifelong Gator , the debate is getting exhausting about Trask. The truth is, he is not as great as Gator fans think he is and nowhere near as incompetent as Joe and the haters say he is. Cant wait for Cleveland Browns sloppy seconds.

  54. unbelievable Says:

    Yea let’s waste another 2nd round pick on a QB we won’t ever start… brilliant!

    LMAO

    We need a STARTER at the following positions:

    Edge/OLB, ILB, OL, Safety

    A developmental QB comes after all those positions are addressed

  55. Defense Rules Says:

    ‘Joe knows of Trask fans hoping for Lewis to get the job so their guy keeps his preferred backup status next season.’

    On the contrary. Bucs should release him. He’d catch on with another team in no time flat and could very well end up starting before this season is over.

    Bucs’ history is replete with examples of players we wasted a draft pick on (misevaluation of their talent, poor player development, etc). Players who went on to excel elsewhere. Kyle Trask will end up being one of those I have a feeling. There were some REALLY bad QBs starting this year.

    Bucs wasted a 2nd Rnd draft pick, not because Kyle isn’t any good, but because they never found out whether he is or isn’t any good. Was thinking when we played Detroit that their big DT, Alim McNeill from NC State (6’2″ & 325 lbs) would’ve looked awfully good in a Bucs’ uniform. He was drafted in Rnd 3 of the same year that Trask was drafted. Rotational player his 1st year, then a starter the last 2 years.

  56. Defense Rules Says:

    ‘Joe knows of Trask fans hoping for Lewis to get the job so their guy keeps his preferred backup status next season.’

  57. Defense Rules Says:

    Bucs should release him. He’d catch on with another team in no time flat and could very well end up starting before this season is over.

    Bucs’ history is replete with examples of players we wasted a draft pick on (misevaluation of their talent, poor player development, etc). Players who went on to excel elsewhere. Kyle Trask will end up being one of those I have a feeling. There were some REALLY bad QBs starting this year.

    Bucs wasted a 2nd Rnd draft pick, not because Kyle isn’t any good, but because they never found out whether he is or isn’t any good. Was thinking when we played Detroit that their big DT, Alim McNeill from NC State (6’2″ & 325 lbs) would’ve looked awfully good in a Bucs’ uniform. He was drafted in Rnd 3 of the same year that Trask was drafted. Rotational player his 1st year, then a starter the last 2 years.

  58. Jeffs grandpa Says:

    Oh no that would make the trask brigayed upset

  59. Craig Says:

    I think Trask will be here for his final rookie year. Even P.J. won’t be that cheap.

    Trask put some good things on film during camp and preseason. I think he actually outplayed Baker most of the time and that is what a new OC will be looking at.

    Trask has also progressed every season, and might light things up this season. With that Trask might be trade bait, if Baker does take the money and run.

  60. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    No one will trade for him, because he hasn’t had an opportunity to prove he has value.

    Would be pretty ironic though if he’s the one to knock us out of the playoffs next season.

  61. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Brian Grease should be hired as OC.

  62. Oneilbuc Says:

    Jvato24 . I hear what you saying bro but we don’t need no more quarterbacks from FSU or UF . Because if they bring him in the gators fans or going to hate him. Just like the FSU fans hate Kyle Trask and this is what I hate about our fan base. They care more about what college a quarterback is drafted than they care about the bucs!!

  63. ScottyMack Says:

    Hilarious that people here think that Trask has one iota of trade value.

  64. Oneilbuc Says:

    Jvato24. I say no to him and it’s not because he won’t be a good quarterback maybe even a hall of famer. But the gator fans will not give him a chance because he went to FSU . Just like the FSU fans won’t give Trask a chance because he went to UF . That’s what I hate about this fan base because they care more about which Florida college a quarterback played for the bucs actually winning with either one.

  65. Oneilbuc Says:

    We all know Kyle Trask out played Baker Mayfield in Training camp and we have the proof to show it on here. We all read those articles on training camp but again the FSU fans didn’t want him to start. So we know Kyle Trask didn’t get a real shot and Baker was going to be the starter when they sniged him. Baker didn’t earn the job he was gifted the starting job to sale tickets so I understand why they gifted him the job . But do I think Baker will play like he did this past year yes because he’s a inconsistent quarterback that will never bring us a superbowl we just have to hope that the division will be bad to maybe make the playoffs. Look how most of the fan base is celebrating a 9-8 season that took the last game of the year in a weak division and we won that game 9-0 while our great quarterback couldn’t score one touchdown against a 2-14 team. But next year he supposed to be great and lead us to a superbowl lol 🤣🤣. Next year will be a waste of time because we all know you ain’t winning a superbowl with Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles so we have to settle for just making the playoffs maybe depending on if the division is trash again next year!!

  66. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    “Systems” are overrated. It’s about the coach and players. In other words, the people. Yes, some “systems” are better than others for certain players, against certain defenses, etc. But if your coach can’t adapt for matchups because of his “system”, then why hire him? If you see a play another team runs and really want to use, but cannot incorporate it because it doesn’t fit the “system”, then that is the coach’s fault.

  67. Bucfan Says:

    Dungy was fired. Time for the Glazers to do the same to our so-called head coach.

  68. Jake been there since the beginning Says:

    I just think 🤔, what if Trask goes somewhere else and gets a shot? What if he does what he did with the Gators? He spent highschool and most of college on the bench, when his time came he did his job pretty well. Remember Steve Young?? We let him walk right into becoming a Superbowl Champion. Dynamite comes in a small package and no one really knows what he can do… So you think getting another second rounder could what just sit and waste away. If they really don’t want him then shop him… Let’s think about Trent Dilfer, he sucked behind the offensive line back then.1st round pick…

  69. TonyC Says:

    @Oneilbuc

    You have more football sense than anyone here including FSUJoe.

  70. ocala Says:

    Is Trask going to the Pro bowl to replace Baker?

  71. JD Still Says:

    Maybe it would be in Kyle Trask’s best interest to follow in the footsteps of Steve Young , by escaping this insane asylum, and going to a much better team while Tampa sank into a decade of horrible football and Steve went on to become a hall of fame inductee, it’s lining up that way , Tampa let Steve go when they drafted Vinnie Testaverde which didn’t work out great for Tampa but did workout great for Steve. The Bucs seem to think all they need to do is sign their mediocre, sub .500 win quarterback just off of his second acceptable year and they’ll be fine because no one else is going to upgrade their teams. Hmmm? Speaking of which , I hear Atlanta is looking for a quarterback , they have a good offensive line , an elite first round running back a good receiving corps , including Kyle Pitts and Van Jeff

  72. Gipper Says:

    Put the “franchise tag” on Trask forever. Baker is going to the Steelers at $45M/yr. Hope Steelers play Trask and Tampa next year in Tampa.

  73. Bucnjim Says:

    Brady sold Tickets! Mahomes & the top QB’s in the league sell tickets. To think they brought in or even started Mayfield to sell tickets is comic relief. Pretty sure we lost a very large number of season ticket holders because we lost Brady and weren’t able to sign ANY big name players because of our cap space.

    Was that sarcasm? I really hope so!

  74. Bucnjim Says:

    I’m pretty sure Mayfield is here to help keep us competitive not to take us to the Super Bowl. This roster is a ways from being Championship ready at least two or three drafts away. Would you rather have a chance to at least make the playoffs or be a 4 win team? Who here thinks this team is Super Bowl ready? If it’s no one than the QB shouldn’t be a deal breaker for any fan.

  75. Eric Says:

    Baker played very well this year.

    Trask is doing well on his way to a nice back up career. Not like he had to worry about getting hurt and he will always be the apple of the deranged Gator fans eye.

    If he wasn’t a gator nobody would think twice about the guy

    Keep riding the pine and fattening the bank account young man.

  76. Capt.Tim Says:

    Onielbuc.
    How much more of a fool can a person be? Arguing for a kid with a noodle arm, against a ProBowl QB?
    I wonder how many levels of stupid are there, and how deep can a person go?
    At some point, its just sad to witness. Its become a mental illness and deficiency.

    And we’ve reached that point.

  77. Conner50 Says:

    I’d like to see Trask go to a team that gives him a shot to actually play, he never got one here at Tampa

  78. BA’s Red Pen Says:

    Trade Trask lol, what are we getting in return…. Probably a football with an option for a tackling dummy? Thanks occult of Trask I needed a good laugh today!

  79. David Says:

    I think he is safe because he’s on his rookie deal and the Buccaneers cannot afford much under the cap after they sign who they need to sign… assuming Evans and Baker return

  80. David Says:

    And for those saying trade Trask… Get a grip. No one‘s giving up a draft pick for him at this point.
    Seriously, if you’re a GM from another team, why would you give up a six or seventh round pick to get a guy you need to sign for a longer-term deal that cost a lot more money than someone you can just draft in the later rounds, and keep around longer for cheaper?

  81. Farmer Says:

    There’s no need to sign a backup veteran QB if Baker is your QB. Hes gone through so many OCs and schemes that I don’t see him needing any help from a veteran QB.

  82. Tb bolts Says:

    Trask is 6’5 untapped potential who lit up the best teams in the SEC. He will get a place somewhere and will get his chance to show what he can do. Will he play well ? That remains to be seen and anyone who says no has so basis for such an argument. Most teams try other options at QB throughout the season when facing difficulties (for example a six game losing streak). two seasons behind brady where he had a snowballs chance in heII of seeing the field and then a season where bowels and baker played ride or die. Trask simply needs to move on somewhere else to get his chance. Baker and his season ending pick straight into a defenders chest already peaked. Thats as good as it will ever get with him. Highs and lows. Joe just hopes for a franchise tag so he can continue farming comments and controversy on this site with such a polarizing QB in baker.