Do the Bucs Have a Preseason Dilemma at Backup QB?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought they were planning for the future when they drafted Florida quarterback Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

General manager Jason Licht knew the days were numbered with Tom Brady, who was entering the final year of his deal and wanted to try and secure the position for post-Brady life.

But now, three years later, Trask has failed to develop into a starter or even a bonafide option at QB2.

Licht and the Bucs had to go and seek out a veteran to start under center last season and found Baker Mayfield, who has played well, earning an extension this offseason. But what about the future of Trask? As he enters the final year of his deal in Tampa Bay, his future is in question - even at the backup spot.

Are the Bucs confident in Trask taking over the offense if Mayfield has to miss extended time with an injury?

Bucs coach Todd Bowles was ambiguous about Trask's status earlier this month after a practice in camp.

"I think Kyle (Trask) is having a heck of a camp. Yeah, he missed a few today - you've got to make the big plays. Running the offense and understanding it, we're comfortable with where Kyle is right now."

If Trask isn't the guy, there are options. John Wolford is also on the roster, be he, too, has failed to set himself apart from Trask in camp this offseason.

On the outside, Tyler Huntley could be available if cut by Cleveland after failing to take over the QB3 job from Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Also, free agent Ryan Tannehill has the starting experience to potentially come in a give some experience to the role, but he's most likely holding out for an opportunity to start rather than take a backup role this early in the process.

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The bottom line is Trask hasn't enough work to show his stuff. In limited playing time over three seasons, he simply hasn't had an opportunity to get into a rhythm and a groove at quarterback at the NFL level.

That certainly isn't his fault, but it doesn't help the Bucs if they get into a bind with an injury situation with Mayfield.