The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sought a veteran quarterback to fill the large void left by Tom Brady’s retirement at the end of the 2022 NFL season. With a QB-room led by an inexperienced Kyle Trask (64th pick of 2021 Draft with one NFL game under his belt), newfound journeyman Baker Mayfield checked off all of the boxes.
The former Browns, Panthers and Rams QB was a bargain for the NFC South team: signing a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million. Despite a poor campaign with the Panthers in the early part of 2022, which saw him go 1-5 and only 6 touchdowns, he ended the season on a high note on the banged up Los Angeles Rams.
Bucs QB competition heats up: will Baker or Trask suffice?
Baker Mayfield’s stint with the Rams proved key for his reputation
Mayfield even got high praise from Rams coachSean McVay, with spirited performances (63.6% completion rate) that gave LA a spark during its final games.
In January, McVay left the door open for Mayfield saying he “loved working with him”, and that he “couldn’t have done more to improve” the general perception he had after his failed stint in the Carolinas. “Been huge. He’s left a huge impression and I think all of his teammates would echo that same sentiment”, he said.
Mayfield’s interception woes at Bucs training camp
In Tampa, however, Mayfield has to adapt to a new playbook and system once again. The QB has caused fans to worry by throwing seven 7 interceptions so far in 9 practices with Tampa Bay. It’s likely too soon to judge the new Bucs quarterback, but has cast doubts in regard to his competition with Kyle Trask for the QB1 job.
According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, despite Mayfield’s interception troubles at camp, he fared “much better than Trask” in the move-the-chains period of Saturday’s practice.
Who will start at QB for the Bucs in 2023: Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask?
While head coach Todd Bowles hasn’t made an announcement yet, the clear sentiment in Bucs camp is that Mayfield still leads the QB race. His turnovers, however, have not helped his cause.
Bowles spoke to the media about the turnover issue and made it clear it’s something to be avoided in all scenarios: “You don’t ever want to turn the ball over. It’s always better to throw it away, into the dirt. It’s imperative to get all the kinks out now that we can”.
