Kyle Trask addresses uncertain future after Buccaneers re-signed Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made quarterback Kyle Trask a second-round pick during the 2021 NFL Draft when Tom Brady was atop the team's depth chart but also in the twilight of his legendary career.

Trask ultimately failed to cement himself as Brady's successor, however, and the 26-year-old will enter the final year of his rookie contract serving as a backup to starter Baker Mayfield after Mayfield signed a new three-year deal to stay with the Buccaneers in March.

"Obviously, there’s a lot of things that can happen in the near future, career-wise," Trask recently said, as shared by the JoeBucsFan website. "That’s pretty known, but I’m really trying to focus on getting better every day because whatever happens, wherever any of us end up, we have to focus on getting better. That’s all that matters at the end of the day. I’m not looking that far into the future because we’re one team, trying to get ready for a new season."

Trask thus far has attempted a total of 10 regular-season passes during a pro career that has experienced a plethora of twists and turns since Brady first "retired" in February 2022. Brady returned to Tampa Bay's active roster the following month and spent one more season with the club, and Trask later lost a competition for the starting job to Mayfield last summer.

"I’ve been in that situation … and it’s not easy," Mayfield said about Trask. "Only one guy can play. The quarterback room is so important in terms of how the chemistry is in there and how we all get along. Kyle handles it the right way. In that position, you have to stay ready. You might not get as many reps, but you have to be professional about it. All you can do is put the work in."

Last fall, pockets of Tampa Bay fans wanted head coach Todd Bowles to bench Mayfield in favor of Trask as the club fell to 4-7. Bowles never went down that route, and Mayfield ultimately guided the Buccaneers to the division title and to a home playoff win.

"I feel the energy," Trask, a former Florida Gators signal-caller, said. "I’m very blessed to have support from the Buccaneer fan base and a shoutout to the Gator fan base. That’s a beautiful thing. For me, it’s all about improving. You have to compare yourself to what you were yesterday. No matter what happens, getting better puts you on the right track."

Individuals within the Buccaneers have left no doubt they hope Mayfield, 29, proves to be Brady's long-term replacement for years to come. Trask seemingly will have to move on from Tampa Bay next March to have an opportunity to compete for a QB1 gig, but he'll first focus on getting as ready as possible for action this fall in the event that Mayfield goes down with an injury.