Issue With One Jason Licht Re-Signing
March 28th, 2025
Unfair critique.
So under the guidance of Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, the Bucs have a reputation for bringing guys back and keeping their band together.
Even if they don’t start.
Lost in the shuffle and fun of re-signing Chris Godwin, Lavonte David and Ben Bredeson, the Bucs also returned backup quarterback Kyle Trask. The former Gators star has a grand total of four completions in his four-year NFL career.
And while Ben Solak of BSPN praised Licht for his ability to keep his winning band together from a fourpeat NFC South winner, Solak thought Licht could have done better finding a backup to Baker Mayfield.
I didn’t love: The Kyle Trask extension. It might feel like I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth, as Trask is also a retention. But I prefer my contending teams to take QB2 a little more seriously. Trask has attempted exactly 11 passes in NFL action (and completed four of them, for as much as that matters). What happens if Baker Mayfield goes down for a month while the 7-4 Buccaneers are in the thick of the NFC South race? Do they really trust Trask to go 2-2 and keep them on a playoff pace?
They’d know better than me, as I have only 11 Trask passes to consider. Far more experienced QB2s were available, though, and I hope the Bucs don’t find themselves wishing they looked elsewhere to bolster the position.
The way Solak framed this makes some sense. For example, Gardner Minshew was available. So too was Mac Jones and Jacoby Brissett. Those three guys have a bunch of starts under their belts and have had success from time to time.
Trask is pretty much a blank slate.
But Joe cannot rag on Trask or any quarterback who had the misfortune (?) of playing behind two different starters who rarely had to leave the field with an injury.
Isn’t that actually a good thing?
March 28th, 2025 at 7:09 am
I would imagine Trask might have some appeal to a team looking for a young QB….possibly a 4th or 5th rd pick? I thought the Giants would make sense as he’s a low risk, high reward player. Sign him, with Winston and draft a QB….you got two experienced and relatively young players to help mentor the rookie AND position yourself for hitting on at least one of them working out. Russell Wilson will sell seats but he’s waaay past his prime and nearing retirement.
March 28th, 2025 at 7:20 am
A 4th round pick for Trask? Hoo boy, where do I sign? That’s complete madness, but hell yeah I’ll take it. I’ll deliver him to you personally
March 28th, 2025 at 7:36 am
I agree 100%. Trask hasn’t done anything for this team other than practice and hold a clipboard.
March 28th, 2025 at 7:38 am
What is the infatuation with Minshew? He’s not good. He’s an interception waiting to happen. And according to the media and fans this team is done without Baker so why would having Gardner make the Bucs contenders? Lol…
The backup QB doesn’t matter on the Bucs because of Bowles. He won’t play the backup unless Baker is on a stretcher or in a coma. He won’t let his injured QB take a drive off and will put him back in no matter how bad he’s playing.
March 28th, 2025 at 7:55 am
Who do you trust more – Ben Solak (whoever the he!! that is) or our “Ring of Honor” GM Jason Licht?
The answer is obvious…
March 28th, 2025 at 7:58 am
I get the concern, and the likelihood this kid finally gets to finish a game, and/or start, is going to happen soon. However, given the talent we have, I like our chances with Trask under center. I don’t think Licht keeps him if they didn’t think they had a talent worth keeping, who could win games.
This kid doesn’t have the personality we look for to play QB at the NFL level, you need a real alpha, even if the rest of the measurables don’t ideally lineup. Gardner Minshew is a prime example of that. However, I like me a big strong QB that can actually see over his O-line. It will be interesting if this kid can ever get a real look in a live game.
Also, don’t sleep on Mike Pratt. I bet they’ll be a bit of QB battle during training camp with Pratt in there. Kid is a winner.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Trask has looked VERY good the last 2 preseasons, that’s all the tape we have
March 28th, 2025 at 8:01 am
Jason Licht and Todd Bowles both have a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs. They (especially Bowles) have watched Trask for four years. They trust him. Why should I question that?
March 28th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Could it be they made the deal for Baker BUT Trask shows them regularly that he is a better QB prospect than ALLL those other QBs mentioned in this article??? Don’t listen to the outside noise Kyle one day soon, Baker’s inability to see over the line, countless unnecessary turnovers, and inability to hit players more accurately deep down the field a REAL opportunity to show KYLE TRASK actually has a higher ceiling than Baker Mayfield!!! KEEP RUNNING THAT ROCK BAKER cause I believe that’s the skill you bring to the table the BEST – Kyle be ready to shoot your shot CAUSE ITS COMING IN DUE TIME!!!!!
March 28th, 2025 at 8:03 am
It’s only because our starting QB has been healthy that Trask lacks experience
March 28th, 2025 at 8:04 am
Bowles needs to let Trask get some snaps in the blowout games. Snaps where he actually runs the offense and throws some passes. I would assume Trask is cheaper than many other options out there and attractive from that perspective. Maybe Pratt will develop?
March 28th, 2025 at 8:12 am
His stats would definitely be higher say if we had clinched and had to rest starters but every year it comes down to the wire.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:17 am
No one knows what he does in practice and he knows the playbook
March 28th, 2025 at 8:28 am
He almost beat Baker on the Quarterback competition.
We are good to go!
Maybe
March 28th, 2025 at 8:28 am
Good signing. Trask knows the system and has just as much talent as those backup retreads. Furthermore, Mayfield & Trask already have a comfort level with each other, which benefits both. I prefer familiarity over experience in this case.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:28 am
In my best RBUC fashion – i will take a shot at the farce as well!!!
HO-HO YES, LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING RIGHT NOW! They thought they had it all figured out, THEY THOUGHT bringing in Baker was the ANSWER, but what if—JUST WHAT IF—they made that deal while IGNORING the absolute BEAST they already had in the building?! Because WEEK AFTER WEEK, PRACTICE AFTER PRACTICE, KYLE TRASK is showing them he’s not just some backup, not just some afterthought—NO, NO, NO—he’s the FUTURE! And not just the future, but a BETTER, SMARTER, STRONGER ALL THE QB’s IN THE LEAGUE!!
AND DON’T LISTEN TO THE OUTSIDE NOISE, KYLE! OH NO, DON’T LET ‘EM GET IN YOUR HEAD! Because here’s the truth, and IT’S A TRUTH THEY DON’T WANT TO ADMIT—Baker’s got flaws, BIG ONES! He can’t see over the line, he’s tossing turnovers like a bakery on Sunday morning, and let’s talk about that deep ball—WHERE IS IT GOING?! Because it sure as hell isn’t hitting receivers in stride! Meanwhile, YOU, KYLE TRASK, YOU’RE SHARP, YOU’RE DISCIPLINED, YOU’VE GOT THE ARM, THE SIZE, THE VISION, AND THE CEILING? OH, IT’S HIGHER THAN THE CLOUDS, BABY!
And let’s get one thing STRAIGHT—Baker, you ain’t real. But a REAL quarterback? A FRANCHISE quarterback? A LEADER WHO CAN SLING IT ALL OVER THE FIELD AND PUT FEAR INTO DEFENSES? THAT’S KYLE TRASK! And sooner rather than later, THE OPPORTUNITY WILL COME, THE MOMENT WILL ARRIVE, and when it does—OH-HO-HO—TRASK IS GONNA STEP UP, FIRE THAT SHOT, AND TAKE WHAT’S HIS!
THIS ISN’T A QUESTION OF IF—IT’S A QUESTION OF WHEN! And WHEN that day comes, when the Trask Era BEGINS, when he takes that field and shows the world what he can do—OH, YOU BETTER BELIEVE, THE WHOLE LEAGUE IS GONNA TAKE NOTICE! So, Kyle, STAY READY, STAY LOCKED IN, STAY HUNGRY… BECAUSE YOUR TIME IS COMING… AND WHEN IT DOES—EVERYBODY’S GONNA KNOW THE NAME KYLE TRASK!!!
🔥🔥🔥
March 28th, 2025 at 8:36 am
There’s a little known salary cap rule that really helped resigning Trask.
Only part of his salary counts against the cap.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:46 am
Serious? “Gardner Minshew was available. So too was Mac Jones and Jacoby Brissett.” Aka Stash, Joke and Statue.
This idea that they are not improving by keeping a loyal, smart and team first QB who won’t be starting crap to advance his own agenda is absurd.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:59 am
What team did Ben Solak play for? Again, another analyst/writer with a column to fill. How smart do you have to be to major in journalism?
Trask knows the Bucs well and it only makes sense for him to stay with the team if he is willing. Kind of surprised that he didn’t seek an opportunity to start somewhere else but happy he chose to stay with the team.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:00 am
If Geno711 isn’t Trask’s agent, HE SHOULD BE! I too believe Kyle is a darn good QB, the SEC is a step below NFL football and he played with poise. He stands in the pocket like Big Ben used to, he’s the exact size of Josh Allen. He’s not had his shot yet, I believe that with our O-line and current offensive weapons, he will light it up should Baker needs to miss time due to an injury.
I love Baker’s leadership skills, have no issues but a 6′ you are limited.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:03 am
Solak wrote:
“I didn’t love: The Kyle Trask extension. It might feel like I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth…”
—————————————————————————————
Solak isn’t talking out of both sides of his mouth. He’s talking out of another part of the body. 😉
The Bucs front office personnel and coaches saw Trask for hundreds of hours last off-season, in training camp, plus in the pre-season games, and during practice in the regular season. I’m sure they DID take QB2 seriously, and believe Trask can go in and win some games should he need to.
Given the strength of our O-line and our running game, Trask will be fine should he have to come in and play.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:09 am
Trask knows the system, the guys love him and he’s looked great in practice / pre season. Bad Take
March 28th, 2025 at 9:23 am
Couldve had QB2 Jameis Winston
March 28th, 2025 at 9:27 am
Riddle me this Mr.Solak, When has Tampa ever developed a young QB ? And whose fault would that be? Remember Tampa is the only team in the entire NFL to let three Quarterbacks go who went on to other teams and won Super Bowls with those teams , maybe the powers that be didn’t want to make it four.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:32 am
Ben Solak is a joke anyway.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:35 am
I wanted Brissett. And BTW, he was also a Gator QB.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:55 am
Solak
Minshew Brissett?
Nah we ok
March 28th, 2025 at 10:23 am
Already knowing the system gives any backup QB a leg up. Plus, Trask makes peanuts compared to the others which helps to fill other holes.
March 28th, 2025 at 11:29 am
Trask is a stud. He’s the best kept secret in the NFL. You’ll all see (should Baker get good poisoning or something short term like that).
Kyle will come in and dominate. Absolutely dominate!
He’ll be the talk of the NFL!
(And then the JBF writing the post above woke up from his deep sleep…)
March 28th, 2025 at 11:49 am
I’m going to defer to the team’s judgment. Trask may be an unknown outside of OBP, but inside I think they know what they have. Maybe hes just an average backup, or maybe they think he’s better than that. You can’t really fault him for not having the opportunity to play. I’m not overly worried if he needs to play this year. He’s been in the system and should be able to put the ball where it needs to go. Just don’t make him get out of the pocket, then we’re in trouble.
March 28th, 2025 at 11:57 am
Most teams that lose their starting QB are in trouble.
What a weak argument.
If that’s the worst thing he can think of we are good.
Trask could be a too 10 backup, the beauty is WE don’t know. We haven’t watched him every practice for 4 years.
Licht and Bowles has.
If it aint broke.
March 28th, 2025 at 12:36 pm
I believe if Baker is hurt for a month Trask could for sure get 2-2 record at least ,,, that’s all you can ask of a back up QB,, Growing up in Buffalo, Jim Kelly got hurt a few times and Frank Reich came in and steadied things for a month , Jim made it back for the playoffs , they went to the Super Bowl and lost lol,,,, that said , I believe Trask can be our Frank Reich
March 28th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Having the donut and coffee butler as your backup QB only makes sense until the QB1 goes down.
You would think we could bring in a veteran that has at least thrown a few touchdowns and perhaps even a win or two under their belt.
Nah. We’ll keep the guy that eats chips and salsa on the bench every week.
Just more proof that the organization doesn’t really strive for the Superbowl.
March 28th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Hell of a waste on a second round pick
March 28th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Looks like the Glazers boys got their superbowl and just want to be in or close to the playoffs to keep ticket sales going.
March 28th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
Task, the first Bucs drafted QB to ever get a second contract.
March 28th, 2025 at 3:30 pm
George R thats pretty sad isn’t it?
March 28th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I believe Shaun King did also.
March 28th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
Licht & company know how talented Trask is. They brought him back for that reason. If Trask was a bust they would have signed someone else. They know he has huge upside potential.
March 28th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Plus, we brought in that kid that Licht wanted so we should have Kyle some competition too. Plus, Kyle beat out the competition for the 2 spot last year. Plus, we’ve got the type team that will rally to help him. Plus he’s got the character that the team embodies. I haven’t seen enough of him but if he showed out in the SEC and if Bowles and Licht put him in then we would all be rooting him on!
March 28th, 2025 at 4:19 pm
No. Shaun King did not get a second contract. This has been discussed many times. It’s a fact — no QB the Bucs ever drafted signed a second contract with the team… until Trask. It’s still a sad record since we still have never developed a franchise QB from a draft pick and a guy whose ceiling is career backup is the one who broke the pathetic history.
March 28th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
I can’t believe there are still Trask worshippers out there.
March 28th, 2025 at 4:29 pm
“BucVoyager Says:
March 28th, 2025 at 7:36 am
I agree 100%. Trask hasn’t done anything for this team other than practice and hold a clipboard.“
That’s more than a 4th or 5th round draft pick QB
March 28th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
“FilthyAnimal Says:
March 28th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
I can’t believe there are still Trask worshippers out there.“
I don’t understand the Trask hate. It’s like holding a scratch off ticket and never scratching it. We will never know until he plays. Maybe he will suck, maybe he will be the heisman level player he was in college. Who knows!
March 28th, 2025 at 5:37 pm
Posey99,
The Trask haters are mostly FSU homers. There’s no reason for anyone to hate on Trask. He set records against top SEC corners, many that now play in the NFL. He’s a nice, hardworking guy that has always waited for his opportunity (happened in high school and at UF).
Many believe he actually won the camp battle against Mayfield but Mayfield and his agent were promised he’d start on his 1-year prove it deal or they’d look to sign with another team. Trask never had a chance to play with the starters. His time will come.
March 28th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
Since there’s STILL are alot of fans on this site that think he should be starting over Baker it seems like a no-brainer! I am not one of those unconverted, but saying all that I still think after years of being on the team, we could have done worse
March 28th, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Look at his tape over the last two preseasons where he actually got snaps AND coaching attention, he looked good.
His first two years, he was behind Gabbert, wasn’t even allowed in the room
March 28th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
A ticket, a trasket….. If Baker goes down need a QB experienced in Liam Coen/Grizz’s system not someone with 8 starts three years ago in another system. Let Trask continue to learn from Baker.
March 28th, 2025 at 6:56 pm
Yes, I do have confidence that Trask would do well. Trask has positives over Mayfield that will help, i.e. his height. He can see the middle of the field better than Mayfield.
March 28th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
“They’d know better than me” is the smartest thing this fellow said.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:13 pm
These guys are often requuired to make a case for or against a player or team.
On the topic of Trask…Bruce Arians wanted his guy. Todd Bowels wanted his guy enough to fake a QB competition to keep him.
The only guy backing Trask is Jason Licht…who has been great at spotting talent. Licht has to bow to the HC’s wishes on certain things.
Personally, I want to believe that when Trask gets his chance, he’ll make those who have passed him by look like fools.
It’s his bad luck that he got two older HCs who wanted veterans.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:27 pm
Kyle Griffin? Ryan Trask? If Griffin is the yard stick (8 Seasons), then Trask should easily make 4 more seasons.
March 28th, 2025 at 8:35 pm
For even better staying power, maybe we should maybe re-sign Josh Johnson. After all, he did send Byron Leftwich to the bench in 2009.
March 28th, 2025 at 9:09 pm
So over the Kyle Trask debate. The dude proved he could win in FL. The dude literally has never had a real opportunity in the regular to play at least 6 games while behind this O-Line, Running game and Legendary Evans and Godwin and we need to start giving Cade Otton is due respect. He was awesome this past season. He proved he is a legit number 1 TE in this league. So lets see Trask with all that in front of him for 6 games then lets have a legitimate debate. Till then this conversation is completely unfair to Kyle. Personally i believe if he gets his opportunity in this offense he will surprise all these doubters. Hopefully that doesn’t happen cause that would mean Baker is out and Baker is absolutely 💯.
March 29th, 2025 at 5:53 am
trask is like a horse that comes on late in the race…down the homestretch…
he’s known for that a little…
he’s been marinating maybe a little too long…but he was resigned because they think he’s gonna be a horse that’s ready to make his move when the time is necessary…
either that or he’s the next grif…………ha
March 29th, 2025 at 6:51 am
Stir that pot Joe! Here I will help… Trask is great! NO Trask sucks!….
Nobody knows!
Go Bucs!
March 29th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Trask throws a very nice ball is more crisp then Mayfield. But when you get a number 1 draft pick he plays over the number 4 unless he’s Tom Brady you forget that we draft quarterbacks that go on to win super bowls for the other team. Leave Trask alone. He has a purpose and has a pro position so he has only throw 11 passes and completed 4 people that know football talent are keeping him until he is needed for a draft pick or an emergency. So how many of you weighting 215 or under could even get out of the way of a pulling guard. Stop the squeaking and buy a ticket or not
March 29th, 2025 at 5:35 pm
Hey, Geno, more like Kyle Trash. Boom roasted.
March 29th, 2025 at 5:47 pm
Guy has been on this team half a decade. Plenty of eyes on him, coaches have seen him up close. He is Ryan Griffin 2.0
All the gator fan boys need to wake up. He isn’t a real option and should Baker goes down we are screwed. We need a viable NFL QB as a backup.
March 29th, 2025 at 8:22 pm
GeorgeR and FilthyAnimal: I did not know we had no re-signees @ the QB position. The Bucs have a lot of heart-ache @ QB. We did have at least 3 “sure fire” draftees in Testaverde, Young (after the USFL), and Winston. Doug Williams may have been our best draftee, but Hugh Crapperhouse would not pay him. Winston was my biggest disappointment because of all the hype and expectations. Even Arians couldn’t correct his poor decision making — Hello TB12.
March 29th, 2025 at 11:51 pm
Mayfield has been handed the reigns to 4 different teams, he never really “competed” for them. Trask had the impossible task of sitting behind TB12 and even Blaine Gabbert. He never had a chance and you could tell he knew it in his 1st 2 preseasons because it showed. Last year he was a different beast and there’s 2 reasons why Baker won. As a 5 year veteran he surely didn’t out perform a back up who had never started a game. The only people who hate so badly on Task are the FSU homersimpsons and Baker Gulpers who were scared for Bakers future and their happiness.
March 30th, 2025 at 4:44 am
DBBF99- didn’t Brady insist that Trask was not gonna be his backup? So there’s that.
March 30th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Had similar thoughts, but it was inexpensive, and he’s been around Baker and multiple offensive coordinators. Could help smooth out the transition. Baker is stubborn the way he runs the ball too, Trask has warmed up or come in a couple of times, it’s just been very limited to this point.
Licht likes Michael Pratt too. He didn’t go undrafted, drafted by Packers but we scooped him up.